By Joy Odor – Reportcircle News
In a tightly coordinated dawn assault that reshaped the security narrative in southern Kaduna, troops of Sector 5, Operation PEACE SHIELD, on Friday launched a precision operation that rescued 10 kidnapped victims, broke up a ransom-collection attempt and recovered weapons and cash from fleeing kidnappers in Sanga Local Government Area.
The breakthrough capped a week-long manhunt triggered by the 29 November abduction of several women from their farmlands in Ungwan Nungu, a farming community shaken to its core by the brazen daylight attack.
The Army responded with an immediate, relentless deployment of search teams across the surrounding forests and riverine terrain.
The decisive moment came at 0640 hours on 5 December 2025, when troops intercepted the kidnappers at the precise location where they had arranged to collect ransom money from distressed relatives.
What was meant to be a payoff for the criminals became a full-blown encounter.
Troops unleashed superior, overwhelming firepower, forcing the gang to abandon the hostages and flee in confusion into the dense forest.
Within minutes, all victims were secured none harmed, none left behind.
The rescued captives included:
1 adult male
3 male children
3 elderly women
3 female children
After medical checks and debriefing, they were returned to their families ending days of anguish and restoring hope to a community long targeted by kidnappers.
The operation also yielded critical evidence and material recoveries:
1 fabricated AK-47 rifle
1 round of 9mm ammunition
₦1,600,000 in ransom payments recovered at the scene
The items, officials said, provide insight into the group’s operational pattern and financing trail.
The Nigerian Army described the Kaduna operation as a clear demonstration of its renewed offensive posture, a signal that kidnap syndicates will find no safe corridor anywhere in the state.
In a statement, the Army reaffirmed its commitment to:
protect civilians,
dismantle criminal networks, and
restore peace in vulnerable communities across the country.
As the dust settles in Ungwan Nungu, one truth is unmistakable: the troops are not just responding they are taking the fight directly to the heart of criminal strongholds.
