In a swift dawn operation, soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s Operation Peace Shield liberated ten women held hostage by kidnappers in Kaduna State’s Sanga area on Friday morning.
The dramatic rescue unfolded around 6:40 a.m. when troops ambushed armed criminals who were moments away from collecting ransom cash from the victims’ families.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior military officer at Army Headquarters in Abuja told reporters:
“Our men caught the kidnappers red-handed at the ransom handover point. They opened fire the moment the criminals showed resistance, forcing the abductors to drop everything and run for their lives.”
The women had been seized from their farmland in Unguwan Nungu village on 29 November, triggering an intense week-long hunt across difficult terrain.
During the firefight, soldiers seized a locally made AK-47 rifle, one live round of 9mm ammunition, and N1.6 million in cash believed to be part of the demanded ransom.
“All ten rescued women are now safe, have received medical checks, and are back with their loved ones,” the officer added.
He revealed that patrols have been intensified to hunt down the escaped suspects and prevent further attacks in the region.
The Army reaffirmed its resolve to crush banditry nationwide.
A statement credited to the force quoted the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, praising the troops:
“This is the standard we expect. Keep the pressure on these criminals until every community sleeps with both eyes closed.”
Friday’s successful operation marks another blow against rising abductions in northwest Nigeria, where farming communities have borne the brunt of armed gangs demanding millions in ransom.
Meanwhile, residents of Sanga welcomed the news with relief. One community leader told journalists:
“We thank the soldiers. For the first time in years, we feel the Army is truly here for us.”
The Nigerian Army urged citizens to continue sharing timely information to help troops stay one step ahead of criminals.