In an offensive, troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 11 kidnapped victims during a fierce encounter with bandits in the forests of Kaduna State. The operation, which culminated in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 27 January 2026, is being hailed as a major victory for the ongoing “Operation Whirl Punch” in the North-West.
The rescue is part of an intensified military crackdown on the kidnapping-for-ransom syndicates that have plagued the Abuja-Kaduna corridor and surrounding rural communities.
Acting on intelligence regarding a bandit hideout, tactical units launched a coordinated raid on a camp located deep within the Birnin Gwari or Chikun local government areas (specific coordinates are often withheld for operational security).
Upon sighting the troops, the bandits opened fire, leading to a heavy gun battle. The superior firepower of the Nigerian Army eventually forced the criminals to flee into the dense forest, abandoning their captives.
The 11 rescued individuals, comprising men, women, and two children, had been held in captivity for several weeks.
Troops also cleared the camp, recovering several AK-47 rifles, magazines, and motorcycles used by the bandits for their “hit-and-run” operations.
The rescued victims have been moved to a secure military medical facility for:
Medical Screening: Checking for injuries, malnutrition, and dehydration after their ordeal in the bush.
Debriefing: Gathering intelligence on the bandits’ movements and hideouts to aid future operations.
Family Reunification: The State Government, in collaboration with the military, is already working to reconnect the survivors with their loved ones.
“We commend our brave troops for this successful rescue. This is a testament to the fact that our security agencies are not sleeping. We will not stop until every inch of our land is free from these elements. We urge residents to continue providing the military with the information they need to win this war.” – Kaduna State Government
