Operatives of the Nigerian Army eliminated two alleged kidnappers, freed a captive, and retrieved a N10 million ransom during a security operation conducted within the Falgore Forest situated in the Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The operation, conducted by troops of 3 Brigade under Operation MESA, followed the abduction of Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu at Fanyabo village in Falgore Forest on October 11, 2026.
A statement issued on Saturday by Major Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, said the victim was reportedly returning from Yandoka Market in Kaduna State at about midnight when he was kidnapped.
The statement said the abductors subsequently contacted the victim’s family in Yan Taburmi village, also in Falgore Forest, and demanded ransom for his release.
According to the Army, troops acted on credible intelligence and mounted an ambush in collaboration with the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and local hunters.
“The operation resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of the victim, while other members of the kidnapping syndicate fled towards Falgore Forest,” the statement said.
It added that a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of N10 million reportedly paid by the victim’s family as ransom.
The recovered money was returned to the victim and his family, according to the statement.
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 elements and preventing further security breaches in the area.
He also urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support efforts to maintain peace and security in Kano State.
What You Should Know
Security forces successfully intervened in a kidnapping incident in Kano State, neutralizing threats and rescuing a captive while ensuring the ransom was returned.
- Positive Impact: Demonstrates swift security response and effective inter-agency collaboration, bringing relief to affected families and deterring criminal gangs.
- Potential Concerns: Highlights the ongoing security challenges and threats posed by criminal syndicates operating within remote forest areas in the region.
