Troops of 3 Brigade, operating under Operation MESA, have rescued a kidnap victim and recovered 10 million naira in ransom during a clearance operation in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State, the Nigerian Army has said.
The victim, Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, 45, of Falgore village, was abducted on October 11 at Fanyabo village while returning from Yandoka Market in Kaduna State, according to a statement by Major Babatunde Zubairu, the acting assistant director of army public relations for the brigade. The rescue was reported by Daily Trust and The Guardian.
How did the operation unfold?
According to the statement, the family received contact from the abductors through Yan Taburmi village, and the brigade tracked the negotiation to a camp inside the forest. Troops moved in during the operation, neutralised two kidnappers and rescued the victim. The 10 million naira in ransom money was recovered at the scene.
What does this say about Falgore Forest?
Falgore Forest has long been identified as a hideout for armed groups operating along the Kano-Kaduna corridor, and it sits beside one of the busiest commercial routes in northern Nigeria. Clearing such enclaves is slow, deliberate work, and each operation removes a base that bandits have used to mount abductions on travellers passing through.
What does the ransom recovery tell us?
The recovery of the ransom matters for more than the money. Ransom payments that reach kidnappers bankroll weapons, informants and the next abduction. Taking the money back while freeing the victim denies the group both, and it signals to families negotiating for loved ones that paying is not the only path.
What happens to the rescued victim?
The statement confirming the rescue did not give details of the victim's condition beyond confirming that he was freed. He is expected to be reunited with his family after routine processing by the troops, and the army says operations in the forest will continue.
It is the latest in a string of results by troops against armed groups in the North-West and parts of the North-Central, including the recovery of arms and motorcycles from terrorists in Sokoto, which we reported here.
Frequently asked questions
Who was rescued?
Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, 45, of Falgore village in Doguwa Local Government Area, Kano State, who was abducted on October 11.
How much ransom was recovered?
Troops recovered 10 million naira in ransom money during the operation, the army statement said.
Who carried out the operation?
Troops of 3 Brigade under Operation MESA, in a clearance operation inside Falgore Forest.
Sources: Daily Trust; The Guardian; Leadership; Daily Post Nigeria; Nigerian Army, 3 Brigade statement.
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