Troops of Operation Safe Haven, conducting Operation Lafiyan Jama’a, have rescued five kidnapped victims and arrested three kidnappers in Kaduna State.

This was disclosed in a statement by Major Samson Nantip Zhakom, Media Information Officer Operation Safe Haven, on March 3, 2025.

According to the statement, on March 2, 2025, troops conducted an intelligence-led operation in Boto Forest, Zangon Kataf LGA, rescuing Abdullahi Saleh (38), Blessed Haruna (17), Mary Nuhu (32), Charity Nuhu (35), and Abubakar Wakili (25).

“Troops made contact with the criminals and subdued them, forcing them to abandon their victims,” a military spokesperson stated.

Three suspects, Abubakar Shehu (30), Mohammed Sani (20), and Adamu Mohammed (25), were arrested.

Troops recovered a fabricated revolver rifle, ammunition, mobile phones, machetes, 32 rustled cows, and N521,000 in cash.

“The cash is suspected to be proceeds from ransom,” the spokesperson confirmed.

One rescued victim with machete injuries was hospitalised, and others were reunited with their families.

On March 3, 2025, troops intercepted a gunrunner at the Mallagun checkpoint, Kaura LGA. Anthony Elisha (24) was arrested with a concealed fabricated revolver rifle.

“The suspect claimed a civil police personnel sent him to deliver the weapon,” the spokesperson said.

Elisha is providing information for follow-up operations to apprehend the police personnel and other syndicate members.

Operation Safe Haven urges the public to provide timely information to aid in restoring peace to the region.