Troops Rescue Three Kidnap Victims in Kebbi Operation

Nigerian Army troops, working with vigilantes and forest rangers, rescued three kidnap victims during a clearance operation in Kebbi State after suspected terrorists abandoned their captives and fled.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued three kidnapped victims during a clearance operation in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The operation was carried out by troops of CSI Battalion III in collaboration with local vigilantes and forest rangers as part of ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and criminal activities in the state.

Security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the development in a post shared on his X handle, citing security sources familiar with the operation.

According to the sources, the joint security team was conducting a routine patrol at the Kharisin hunting ground at about 11:48 a.m. on May 30, 2026, when suspected terrorists spotted the advancing troops and fled the area.

The suspects reportedly abandoned their captives while escaping, leading to the successful rescue of three kidnapped victims without any exchange of fire.

The victims were immediately secured by the troops and taken for medical evaluation and preliminary debriefing following their ordeal.

Security sources said the operation forms part of intensified military actions aimed at flushing out criminal elements from forests and remote locations used as hideouts by kidnappers and other armed groups.

Following the rescue, troops, vigilantes and forest rangers reportedly launched follow-up patrols and search operations across the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping.

The military has continued to strengthen collaboration with local security stakeholders and community-based intelligence networks to improve security across Kebbi State and neighbouring areas.

Authorities said efforts remain ongoing to dismantle criminal camps, disrupt kidnapping networks and restore confidence among residents in affected communities.

Residents were also urged to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations and help prevent future attacks.

The latest rescue operation adds to recent efforts by security forces to curb kidnapping and banditry activities across parts of the North-West region.