The mission was executed by troops under Sector 7 of Operation Enduring Peace after receiving reliable intelligence that pointed to the location of a suspected criminal hideout linked to kidnapping activities.
In an official statement released on Thursday, the Nigerian Army said the operation took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, when security forces launched a planned assault on the identified camp believed to be used by kidnapping gangs operating in the area.
The Army noted that the troops worked alongside the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, forest guards, and local hunters to carry out the operation.
According to the report, the joint team moved deep into the forest, carefully searching through thick vegetation using coordinated tactical methods. Around 5:59 p.m., they encountered the suspects.
Faced with the pressure and coordinated response of the security team, the kidnappers reportedly fled the scene and abandoned their captives.
All eight victims were recovered safely, with no injuries reported, and were later returned to their families.
Those rescued include Rashida Musa, Hafsat Nuhu, Zakari Saleh, Hasiya Yahaya, Ahmed Yahaya, Ibrahim Saiba, Salma Yahaya, and Sophan Idris.
Military authorities said the outcome reflects strong cooperation among security agencies and community partners, as well as continued efforts to disrupt criminal networks and safeguard residents and key routes.
The rescue comes amid ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State, where several communities have experienced repeated abduction incidents in recent times, including a separate church-related kidnapping case in Kajuru Local Government Area earlier in January, with many victims still being held.
