Details have emerged regarding the harrowing rescue mission executed by troops of the Nigerian Army and the joint security team on Saturday night, liberating 12 victims kidnapped in the Zuma 1 area of Bwari Area Council on January 2. The joint operation successfully freed the captives around Kajuru forest in Kaduna State at approximately 11:30 pm on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
The victims, including a father, Mansoor Kadriyar, and his six daughters, were abducted during an attack on the Zuma community. Despite the bandits demanding a ransom and tragically killing the eldest daughter, Nabeeha, the family and others remained captive until the decisive rescue operation.
The FCT Police Command acknowledged the successful mission, attributing it to the newly commissioned Special Intervention Squad deployed by Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun.
Contrary to claims suggesting the operation was led solely by the police Anti-kidnapping squad, a counter-terrorism/insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, clarified that the Nigerian Army's 197 Special Forces Battalion played a central role. The troops swiftly responded to intelligence received, located the captives near Gurara Dam in Kachia LGA, and encountered an ambush during their return.
Remarkably, the soldiers managed to suppress the threat without casualties among the rescue team and the victims. The rescued individuals, including three adult females, two female children, and seven male children, were handed over to the police for subsequent reunification with their families.
Despite the challenges faced during the operation, the military personnel involved emphasized the collaborative effort between the army and police, debunking dismissive claims regarding the extent of their contributions. The dramatic rescue serves as a testament to the dedication and bravery of the security forces in safeguarding citizens and combating criminal elements in the region
