Nigerian Army troops have rescued a kidnapped man, neutralised two suspected kidnappers and recovered N10 million reportedly paid as ransom during a security operation in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The operation was carried out by troops of 3 Brigade under Operation MESA in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local hunters.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by Major Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the operation followed the abduction of Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu on October 11, 2026, at Fanyabo Village in Falgore Forest.
Aliyu was reportedly returning from Yandoka Market in Kaduna State around midnight when he was abducted by the suspected kidnappers.
Following the incident, the abductors allegedly contacted his family in Yan Taburmi Village, Falgore Forest, and demanded ransom for his release.
Acting on credible intelligence, security personnel launched an operation in the area and mounted an ambush against the suspected kidnappers.
The encounter resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected members of the gang and the successful rescue of Aliyu, while other suspects reportedly escaped deeper into the forest.
During a subsequent search of the area, the troops recovered N10 million said to have been paid by the victim’s family as ransom.
The recovered money was subsequently returned to Aliyu and his family, according to the Army.
The Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, commended the troops for their alertness and professionalism during the operation.
Jimoh reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements and preventing security breaches across Kano State.
He also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against kidnapping and other criminal activities.
