Troops of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under Operation MESA, have successfully rescued an abducted victim, neutralised two suspected kidnappers, and recovered ₦10 million in cash during an operation in Falgore Forest, Kano State.
The official statement, issued on Sunday, October 18, 2026, by Major Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, confirmed that the operation followed the kidnap of Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu.
Aliyu was abducted at around midnight on October 11, 2026, at Fanyabo Village in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area, while returning from Yandoka Market in neighboring Kaduna State. The abductors subsequently contacted the victim’s family in Yan Taburmi Village, demanding a ransom for his release.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 3 Brigade, in close coordination with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local hunters, laid an ambush at the designated ransom payment point at Yan Taburmi Village.
At approximately 11:19 PM on October 16, 2026, security forces engaged the armed gang as the exchange was taking place. During the gun duel, troops neutralised two suspected kidnappers on the spot, while other members of the syndicate fled with gunshot wounds into the dense Falgore Forest.
Following a search of the immediate area, security personnel recovered the ₦10 million cash ransom delivered by the family, which was subsequently returned to the victim and his relatives.
The Commander of 3 Brigade, Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, commended the joint operational team for their alertness, tactical efficiency, and fighting spirit.
He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to maintaining heavy operational pressure on armed criminal groups and urged residents across Kano State to remain vigilant and provide timely, actionable information to security forces.
