Troops rescue kidnapped victim, recover N10m ransom in Kano

Troops of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation MESA, have rescued a kidnapped victim and neutralised two suspected kidnappers.

The troops also recovered N10 million in ransom within Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Maj. Babatunde Zubairu, on Saturday in Kano.

The statement said the operation followed the abduction of Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu on Oct. 11 at Fanyabo Village, Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area.

It said the victim was reportedly returning from Yandoka Market in Kaduna State at about midnight when he was abducted.

According to the statement, the kidnappers later contacted the victim’s family in Yan Taburmi demanding ransom for his release.

It said troops, acting on credible intelligence, conducted an ambush in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local hunters.

The operation led to the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers and the rescue of the victim, while other members of the gang reportedly fled into Falgore Forest.

The statement added that a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of N10 million reportedly paid by the victim’s family as ransom.

It said the recovered money was returned to the victim and his family.

The Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Saka Jimoh, commended the troops for their alertness, professionalism and fighting spirit.

Jimoh reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and preventing further security breaches in the area.

He urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support efforts to maintain peace and security in Kano State.

NAN