Troops of Sector 7, Operation Safe Haven (OPEP), in collaboration with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards and local hunters, have rescued eight kidnapped victims at Badurum Kasa Forest in Kauru Local Council of Kaduna State.

The operation followed actionable intelligence on the kidnappers’ hideout.

The combined security team mobilised to the area at about 4:23 p.m. on Wednesday and made contact with the criminals at about 5:59 p.m., forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bushes.

In a statement, the Nigerian Army said: “All eight victims were rescued unharmed and have been reunited with their families.”

Those rescued were identified as Mrs Rashida Musa (19), Mrs Hafsat Nuhu (18), Mr Zakari Saleh (52), Miss Hasiya Yahaya (13), Mr Ahmed Yahaya (14), Mr Ibrahim Saiba (11), Miss Salma Yahaya (14) and Mr Sophan Idris (18).

The statement added that follow-up exploitation and pursuit of the fleeing suspects were ongoing to apprehend those responsible and dismantle the criminal network.

The Army further said the operation underscored its robust inter-agency synergy, agile ground manoeuvres and resolve to protect lives, secure critical routes and deny criminal elements freedom of action.