By Nkechi Eze
Troops of Sector 5 under Operation Peace Shield have achieved a major security breakthrough in Kaduna State with the rescue of 10 kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms, ammunition and ransom funds during a decisive operation in Sanga Local Government Area. The successful mission followed the abduction of several women from their farmlands at Ungwan Nungu on 29 November 2025, prompting an immediate and sustained search-and-rescue effort by the deployed forces.
At about 6:40 a.m. on 5 December 2025, the troops made direct contact with the kidnappers as the criminals attempted to collect ransom money from relatives of the abducted victims. The kidnappers were met with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to abandon the hostages and flee into nearby forest terrain. All 10 victims, one adult male, three male children, three elderly women and three female children were rescued unharmed.
Following their rescue, the victims were debriefed and reunited with their families, bringing relief to a community distressed by the incident. During the operation, troops recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle, a round of 9mm ammunition and ₦1,600,000, confirmed as part of the ransom payment the kidnappers had demanded.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding citizens and dismantling criminal networks, noting that the operation underscores its determination to deny criminals any freedom of action while ensuring that communities across the country can live and work in peace.
