The Nigerian Army Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have rescued five kidnapped victims and arrested three suspected kidnappers during a clearance operation in Boto Forest, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operation, conducted based on intelligence, took place around 12:30 p.m. on March 2, 2025.
According to the source, troops engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee.
The rescued victims were identified as Abdullahi Saleh, 38; Blessed Haruna, 17; Mary Nuhu, 32; Charity Nuhu, 35; and Abubakar Wakili, 25.
Troops also arrested three suspected kidnappers: Abubakar Shehu, 30; Mohammed Sani, 20; and Adamu Mohammed, 25.
A further search of the hideout led to the recovery of one fabricated revolver rifle, nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two mobile phones, two cutlasses, 32 rustled cows, and a cash sum of N521,000.
The rescued victims were debriefed and reunited with their families, while one victim who sustained machete cuts was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.
The arrested suspects and recovered items are in custody, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang.
