Nigerian soldiers have successfully rescued 13 hostages in northwest Kaduna state during a military operation triggered by a tip-off, a government official reported on Saturday.
The operation was launched after receiving intelligence that the kidnappers were planning to move the six men and seven women. The military swiftly responded by raiding a camp near Chigulu village in the Kachia local government area of Kaduna state.
After a gunfight with the bandits, the kidnappers fled into the surrounding forest, abandoning their captives, said Kaduna’s security commissioner, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement.
Kidnappings have become increasingly common in northern Nigeria, particularly in schools and on highways, as criminal gangs seek ransom payments. Families often resort to selling land, livestock, or grain to secure the release of loved ones.
The rescued hostages were taken to a military facility for medical checkups and debriefing before being reunited with their families.
During the raid, troops also uncovered weapons, ammunition, solar panels, and cash at the kidnappers’ camp.
