Troops of the Nigerian Army under Sector 7 of Operation OPEP, in collaboration with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards, and local hunters, have rescued eight kidnapped victims from Badurum Kasa Forest in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The rescue operation was disclosed on Thursday by security analyst Zagazola Makama through his official X handle.

According to a security source cited by Makama, the successful mission was carried out on January 28 following actionable intelligence on the kidnappers’ hideout.The joint security team reportedly mobilised at approximately 4:23 p.m. and advanced into the forest, where they made contact with the suspected kidnappers around 5:59 p.m.“Upon sighting the troops, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled in disarray into the surrounding bushes,” the source said.

All eight victims were rescued unharmed and immediately evacuated from the forest for medical evaluation and debriefing.

They were later reunited with their families.The rescued individuals were identified as Mrs Rashida Musa, Mrs Hafsat Nuhu, Mr Zakari Saleh, Miss Hasiya Yahaya, Mr Ahmed Yahaya, Mr Ibrahim Saiba, Miss Salma Yahaya, and Mr Sophan Idris.

Meanwhile, troops have launched follow-up operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle remaining criminal elements in the forest.In another security development, gunshots and explosions were reported at Niamey International Airport in the Republic of Niger.

Witnesses reportedly described heavy detonations and sustained gunfire in the vicinity of the airport.

Sources indicated that calm has since been restored, though the identity of the attackers remains unknown.

As of the time of filing this report, no official casualty figures have been released.

Security agencies in Niger have yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the incident, while investigations are ongoing to determine the cause and perpetrators of the attack. (The Guardian)