Troops Rescue 31 Hostages, Arrest 17 Suspects in 24 Hour Sweep

Four states. One day. Thirty one Nigerians brought home to their families.

The Nigerian Army rescued 31 kidnapped victims and arrested 17 criminal suspects during coordinated operations across Zamfara, Kogi, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states within a single 24 hour period. The Army also recovered two pump action guns with five rounds of ammunition. Officials described the results as evidence that sustained offensive pressure is forcing criminal elements to flee rather than fight, allowing troops to consolidate gains and protect civilians.

How the Rescues Happened

In Zamfara State, troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5, working from Forward Operating Base Moriki and in collaboration with local hunters, responded to a distress call regarding the kidnapping of residents from Kadage Village in Maradun Local Government Area. On sighting the approaching troops, the terrorists abandoned 25 kidnapped victims and fled into the surrounding bush. All 25 were safely reunited with their families in Moriki town.

In Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade rescued five additional kidnapped victims from abandoned settlements during fighting patrols between Obajana and Kabba Patrol Bases. During the same operational period, the same brigade also engaged suspected violent extremists who had blocked a road in Ijumu Local Government Area, rescuing an injured driver and recovering his vehicle.

Arrests Across Multiple States

In Kaduna State, troops of Sector 5, Operation Enduring Peace, apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Jagindi Kagom Village in Jema’a Local Government Area, acting on credible intelligence. In Nasarawa State, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers found hiding near Kadarko in Keana Local Government Area, handing them over to police for prosecution.

Furthermore, in Taraba State, troops responded to a separate kidnapping incident in the Abong general area of Kurmi Local Government Area, successfully rescuing one additional kidnapped victim who has since been reunited with his family.

A Sign of Sustained Pressure

The breadth of these simultaneous operations across multiple states reflects the scale of Nigeria’s ongoing counter banditry and counter kidnapping effort. Each rescued victim and each arrested suspect represents tangible progress, even as the broader security challenge persists.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country, describing its resolve as unwavering. For the 31 individuals freed and reunited with their families within a single day, that resolve translated into the best possible outcome.