Troops recover ₦10m ransom after rescue operation in Kano

Troops of the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under Operation MESA, have rescued a kidnap victim and neutralised two suspected kidnappers in Kano State.

The troops also recovered ₦10 million reportedly paid as ransom within Falgore Forest in Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Maj. Babatunde Zubairu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Kano.

According to the statement, the operation followed the abduction of Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu on 11 October at Fanyabo Village in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area.

Aliyu was reportedly returning from Yandoka Market in Kaduna State at about midnight when he was abducted.

The statement said the kidnappers subsequently contacted his family in Yan Taburmi, demanding a ransom for his release.

Acting on credible intelligence, troops launched an ambush operation in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and local hunters.

The operation resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers and the rescue of the victim, while other members of the gang reportedly escaped into Falgore Forest.

A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of ₦10 million reportedly paid by the victim’s family as ransom.

The statement said the recovered money was returned to Aliyu and his family.

The Commander of the 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 security agencies with credible and timely information to support efforts to maintain peace and security in Kano State.