Troops from Operation SAFE HAVEN, as part of the newly launched Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A, conducted a successful intelligence-led operation to rescue abducted individuals in Boto Forest, located in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.
During the mission, the troops encountered the kidnappers within the forest. In a fierce exchange, the criminals were overpowered by the superior firepower of the troops, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives. As a result, five victims were rescued from the hideout. They have been identified as:
- Mr Abdullahi Saleh, 38 years old,
- Master Blessed Haruna, 17 years old,
- Mrs Mary Nuhu, 32 years old,
- Mrs Charity Nuhu, 35 years old, and
- Mr Abubakar Wakili, 25 years old.
In their pursuit of the fleeing criminals, the troops apprehended three suspects:
- Mr Abubakar Shehu, 30 years old,
- Mr Mohammed Sani, 20 years old, and
- Mr Adamu Mohammed, 25 years old.
Further exploration of the area led to the recovery of several items, including:
- One fabricated revolver rifle,
- Nine rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition,
- Two mobile phones,
- Two machetes,
- Thirty-two rustled cows, and
- A cash sum of Five Hundred and Twenty-One Thousand Naira (₦521,000.00), believed to be ransom money.
The rescued victims were debriefed by the troops and subsequently reunited with their families. One of the victims, who sustained machete injuries during the ordeal, was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody and are providing valuable information to assist troops in follow-up operations aimed at dismantling the rest of the criminal network.
This operation underscores the commitment of Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation LAFIYAN JAMA’A to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in the region, ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
