Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Brigade, under Operation MESA, have rescued a kidnapped victim, killed two suspected kidnappers and recovered ₦10m reportedly paid as ransom in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and local hunters following the abduction of Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu on October 11, 2026.
According to Major Babatunde Zubairu of the Army Directorate of Information, Aliyu was abducted at Fanyabo Village in Falgore Forest while returning from Yandoka Market in Kaduna State at about midnight.
The suspected kidnappers subsequently contacted his family in Yan Taburmi Village, demanding a ransom for his release.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops and the other security operatives mounted an ambush in the area, leading to the killing of two suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate and the rescue of the victim.
Other members of the gang reportedly fled towards Falgore Forest.
Troops Recover Ransom
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of ₦10m reportedly paid by the victim’s family as ransom.
The Army said the recovered money was returned to Aliyu and his family.
The Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, commended the troops for their alertness, professionalism and fighting spirit during the operation.
Jimoh reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and preventing further security breaches in Kano State.
He also urged residents to provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups.
The Army said cooperation between security agencies and local communities remained crucial to maintaining peace and security in the state.
