Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a kidnapped man, Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered ₦10 million reportedly paid by his family as ransom during a security operation in Falgore Forest, Kano State. The military confirmed that the recovered money had been returned to the victim and his family following the successful rescue operation.
The development was announced on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in a statement issued by Major Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army. According to the statement, the operation was conducted by troops of 3 Brigade under Operation MESA in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and local hunters.
The Army explained that Aliyu was abducted on October 11, 2026, at Fanyabo Village in the Falgore Forest area while returning from Yandoka Market in neighbouring Kaduna State. The incident reportedly occurred around midnight, after which the kidnappers contacted his family in Yan Taburmi Village and demanded payment for his release. The military did not disclose the number of armed men involved in the original abduction or the exact circumstances in which Aliyu was taken captive.
Following the abduction, security personnel reportedly obtained credible intelligence concerning the movements of the suspected kidnappers. Troops subsequently coordinated with police operatives, DSS personnel and local hunters to mount an ambush along a route believed to be used by the gang. The operation resulted in an armed confrontation during which two suspected kidnappers were killed and Aliyu was rescued, while other members of the group reportedly escaped into the surrounding forest.
During a search of the area after the encounter, security personnel recovered ₦10 million believed to have been paid by Aliyu's family to secure his freedom. The Army confirmed that the entire recovered amount was subsequently handed over to the rescued victim and his relatives. However, the statement did not specify when the ransom was paid, how the money was transferred to the kidnappers or whether any additional funds had been demanded.
The Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, commended the troops and other security personnel involved in the operation for their vigilance, professionalism and conduct. He described the rescue and recovery of the ransom as evidence of the military's commitment to confronting kidnapping and other criminal activities threatening communities in Kano State.
Jimoh also reaffirmed the brigade's determination to maintain operational pressure on armed groups operating within Falgore Forest and neighbouring communities. He said security agencies would continue working together to prevent further incidents and protect lives and property, emphasising the importance of cooperation between the military, police, intelligence services and residents.
The brigade commander urged members of the public to provide credible and timely information about suspicious movements and criminal activities. He maintained that intelligence supplied by residents could assist security agencies in identifying threats and responding to incidents before they escalate.
Although the Army confirmed the rescue of Aliyu and the recovery of the ransom, it did not provide details of the victim's medical condition following his release. The identities of the two suspected kidnappers killed during the encounter were also not disclosed, while the number of other suspects who escaped remains unknown.
The military's statement did not announce any arrests arising from the operation or provide further information about efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects. Its confirmed account centred on the rescue of Aliyu, the deaths of two suspected kidnappers and the recovery and return of the ₦10 million ransom.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments