Kano: Soldiers Kill Two Kidnappers, Rescue Victim, Recover ₦10m

Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed two suspected kidnappers, rescued an abducted man and recovered ₦10 million reportedly paid as ransom during a security operation in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.

The operation was carried out by troops of the Army’s 3 Brigade under Operation MESA, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local hunters.

The operation followed the abduction of Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu on October 11, 2026, at Fanyabo Village in Falgore Forest.

According to the Army, Aliyu was returning from Yandoka Market in neighbouring Kaduna State at about midnight when suspected kidnappers seized him.

The abductors subsequently contacted his family in Yan Taburmi Village and demanded a ransom for his release.

Following the report of the abduction, troops acted on intelligence and worked with other security personnel and local hunters to track the suspected kidnappers.

The joint security team mounted an ambush in the area, leading to an encounter in which two suspected members of the kidnapping gang were killed.

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The operation also resulted in Aliyu’s rescue, while other suspected members of the gang reportedly escaped towards the adjoining Falgore Forest.

During a subsequent search of the area, the troops recovered ₦10 million said to have been paid by the victim’s family as ransom.

The Army said the recovered money was returned to Aliyu and his family.

The development was disclosed in a statement by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Major Babatunde Zubairu.

The Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, commended the troops for their alertness, professionalism and fighting spirit during the operation.

Jimoh reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal groups and preventing further security breaches in Kano State.

He also urged residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The rescue comes amid continuing security concerns over abductions for ransom in parts of northern Nigeria. The Army’s statement indicated that other suspected members of the gang remained at large following the operation.