In a meticulously coordinated assault underscoring the potency of integrated security operations, Nigerian Army troops have executed a decisive raid on a terrorist and kidnappers’ enclave in Kaduna State, successfully liberating eight captives. The operation, which took place on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, marks a significant victory in the ongoing campaign to dismantle criminal networks terrorising communities and impeding travel along critical corridors in the region.
Acting on precise and actionable intelligence, a formidable joint force comprising troops from Sector 7 of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), personnel from the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards, and local Hunters, launched a swift ground offensive. Their target was a confirmed kidnappers’ hideout situated deep within the dense terrain of Badurum Kasa Forest, Kauru Local Government Area.
The multi-agency team advanced decisively into the forest, demonstrating exceptional synergy and tactical coordination. At approximately 1759 hours, the forces made contact with the criminal elements. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower, coordination, and rapid manoeuvres of the security team, the kidnappers were thrown into a state of panic. Unable to mount a sustainable defence, they abandoned their hostages and fled in disarray into the surrounding wilderness.
The primary objective of the mission was achieved seamlessly: the immediate and safe rescue of all kidnapped victims. The eight individuals, who were found unharmed, have been identified as:
· Mrs Rashida Musa (19)
· Mrs Hafsat Nuhu (18)
· Mr Zakari Saleh (52)
· Miss Hasiya Yahaya (13)
· Mr Ahmed Yahaya (14)
· Mr Ibrahim Saiba (11)
· Miss Salma Yahaya (14)
· Mr Sophan Idris (18)
All rescued victims have undergone necessary medical checks and procedural debriefing. They have since been joyfully reunited with their families, bringing a traumatic chapter to a close for the affected households and communities.
A senior military source within Operation ENDURING PEACE commented on the strategic success, stating, “This operation was a textbook demonstration of effective, intelligence-driven joint operations. The seamless collaboration between the Army, Police, CJTF, and local volunteers was instrumental. It highlights our agile ground capability and unwavering resolve to protect citizens, secure key routes, and decisively deny criminal gangs any freedom of action within Kaduna State and across the theatre of operation.”
The successful raid on the Badurum Kasa Forest hideout is indicative of a reinforced and adaptive strategy by Nigeria’s security apparatus. It reflects a critical shift towards leveraging hyper-local intelligence and fostering deep cooperation with community-based security structures. The inclusion of Forest Guards and local Hunters proved invaluable, their intimate knowledge of the treacherous terrain providing the joint force with a distinct operational advantage.
Kaduna State has, in recent years, been a focal point in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping for ransom. Criminal gangs have exploited the vast, ungoverned forest reserves stretching across the state to establish camps, from which they launch attacks on villages, farms, and major highways. Operations such as this latest offensive are crucial in degrading the logistical and operational capabilities of these groups, disrupting their chains of command, and making their traditional sanctuaries increasingly untenable.
The Kaduna State Government and the Nigerian Army have consistently emphasised a dual strategy of kinetic military action and non-kinetic peace-building efforts. While raids like this apply necessary pressure on armed elements, parallel initiatives continue to engage communities, address root causes of insecurity, and encourage the surrender and rehabilitation of those willing to lay down arms.
Security analysts note that the effectiveness of Operation ENDURING PEACE and similar joint task forces hinges on sustained intelligence gathering, constant operational adaptability, and the maintenance of high morale among troops. The public’s role in providing timely and credible information, as evidenced in this case, remains the cornerstone of pre-emptive success.
As the cleared hideout is secured and further exploitation of the site is conducted by security forces, the message to criminal entities is unequivocal: no haven is impervious. The combined might of Nigeria’s security forces, working hand-in-glove with local communities, is committed to relentlessly pursuing, dismantling, and ultimately eradicating the threat posed by kidnappers and terrorists.
This resounding success in Kauru LGA will undoubtedly bolster confidence amongst residents and travellers in Kaduna State. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through unity of purpose and operational coherence across all layers of the security architecture. The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that follow-up operations are already in progress to track the fleeing suspects and prevent any regrouping in the area.
