My ordeal in kidnappers den — Escaped kidnap victim

Nigerian Army troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, Salim Ishaq Umar, an indigene of Gusau, who escaped from a terrorist enclave in Munhaye Forest, Zamfara State, after 47 days in captivity.

According to competent security intelligence expert in the northern region, Zagazola Makama, the escape reportedly occurred on the morning of November 12, 2024, after which the victim sought help from nearby military personnel.

Following the rescue, the victim was transported to the CT 7 Headquarters in Tsafe, where military personnel conducted a preliminary debriefing.

Salim, who shared the traumatic story of his abduction and captivity at the hands of armed kidnappers, revealed the brutal tactics used by criminal groups in Zamfara State. He recounted how he was abducted from his home on the night of August 8, 2024, when three armed men, one wielding an AK-47 rifle, woke him from his sleep and took him into the bush.

During the attack, the assailants reportedly shot a security officer and confiscated Salim’s phone. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 30 million naira and five motorcycles, which his family managed to pay.

“However, despite meeting these demands, Umar was not released. After 47 days in captivity, the kidnappers raised their demands, requesting an additional 100 million naira and ten motorcycles. Their leader allegedly threatened to kill him if his family did not comply. Facing the threat of death, Umar began to devise an escape plan.

“On hearing that, I started to make up my mind to escape from them,” the escapee explained.

Together with two other captives, he planned to flee, though tragically, only he managed to escape. His two fellow captives were captured again on November 11, 2024, shortly after their escape attempt.

Umar revealed that he was subjected to harsh conditions, including limited access to food and water, and witnessed threats against his life if further ransom demands were not met.

He was eventually transferred to a new location in the bush, where he remained until he managed to escape.
He made his way to the nearest military post, where troops took him into protective custody.