The Nigerian Army has freed 11 villagers who spent more than three months in the custody of armed bandits, following a coordinated night operation that disrupted the criminals’ movement along a major highway corridor.
Military sources disclosed that the rescue was carried out late on January 26, 2026, after troops uncovered suspicious activity around the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, a route that has repeatedly come under threat from criminal networks.
Using advanced surveillance systems, soldiers attached to the Forward Operating Base in Doka reportedly tracked the movement of armed men attempting to relocate their captives through a forest path linking Gidan Duna and Amale under the cover of darkness.
Once the movement was confirmed, troops launched a rapid interception, deploying patrol vehicles and motorcycles to block escape routes.
The pressure from the advancing soldiers forced the bandits to abandon their captives and retreat into nearby bushes.
“All the victims were recovered alive, and none sustained life-threatening injuries during the operation,” a military officer familiar with the mission said, describing the rescue as “a carefully executed response driven by real-time intelligence.”
Those rescued included five adult men, three women, and three children, who were abducted from Gada Mallam Maman community in October 2025 and held for 92 days in makeshift camps.
Following their release, the victims were given preliminary medical checks and psychological support before being reunited with their families, according to the army.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Army said the operation underscores its determination to keep major highways secure and deny criminal groups safe passage.
“Every successful rescue sends a clear signal that criminal hideouts are no longer beyond our reach,” the source added.
Moreover, security analysts note that the use of surveillance technology combined with swift ground action is gradually shifting the balance against bandit groups operating across northern corridors.
Authorities have assured residents that sustained operations will continue across flashpoints, as the military intensifies efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and restore confidence along critical transport routes.