Gun battle in Kaduna forests: 20 kidnapped victims rescued, many bandits dead

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Security operatives have rescued 20 people who were abducted from Byazhin District of the Federal Capital Territory as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State in a joint operation at Gidan Dogo and Kweri Forests in Kaduna State.

The 20 kidnapped victims comprising ten 10 males and 10 females.

They were rescued from the Kaduna forests in operation involving operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Police Command, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army Guards Brigade, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes between the 6th and 7th of March 2026.

According to a statement on Saturday by SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, security operatives commenced the rescue operation following credible intelligence that kidnapping suspects fleeing from ongoing security operations in Gauraka Forest, Niger State, had crossed into Gidan Dogo and Kweri Forests in Kaduna State with kidnapped victims.

She added that acting on the intelligence, the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led the combined tactical team into the forest in pursuit of the suspected criminals.

She added that while several bandits were killed in the gun battle to rescue the kidnapped victims at the two forests.

However, according to the statement two suspected kidnappers were arrested.

The FCT Police Command spokesperson added that two rifles were also recovered at the end of the gun battle.

“Upon approaching their hideout, the suspects opened fire on the operatives, resulting in an intense gun duel that lasted over one hour and thirty minutes.

“Through superior tactics and firepower, the operatives successfully subdued the kidnappers. Suspects were neutralized during the exchange, while two others identified as Nura Sani and Abdul Bello were arrested.

“Other members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest and hills.

“The operation led to the successful rescue of twenty (20) kidnapped victims comprising ten (10) males and ten (10) females who were earlier abducted from Byazhin District of the FCT, as well as Gauraka and Tafa areas of Niger State.

“One AK-47 rifle with breech number 90-17147, one magazine loaded with twenty (20) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, and one locally made firearm were recovered from the suspects. The rescued victims were rushed to the hospital for medical attention,” she said.

The Police Command also cautioned the media and other social media users to exercise patience when reporting sensitive security incidents such as kidnappings or ongoing rescue operations.

” Premature or unverified dissemination of such information can endanger the lives of victims and compromise the safety of officers actively involved in rescue missions.

Adeh also quoted the FCT Police Commissioner Miller Dantawaye as commending the gallantry and professionalism displayed by the operatives involved in the operation.

She added that Dantawaye urged residents of the FCT to remain calm, vigilant, and security conscious. He also urged them to promptly report suspicious persons or movements to the Command through the following emergency numbers 08032003913, 08061581938.