Troops Eliminate 7 Criminals, Rescue Hostages in Kaduna Axis
Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE (JTF OPEP) have neutralised seven suspected criminals, rescued a kidnapped victim, and recovered arms and ammunition during a series of security operations in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The operations, carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 13 and 14, 2026, targeted criminal hideouts and kidnapping networks operating within the Ganawuri–Manchok corridor and surrounding communities.
On Tuesday, January 13, troops of Sector 7 JTF OPEP acted on credible intelligence regarding the abduction of a girl in Kajim Village. The soldiers immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, leading to a confrontation in which three alleged kidnappers — identified as Yusuf Musa, Auwal Adamu, and Kamal Abdul — were neutralised. The victim was successfully rescued, debriefed, and reunited with her family.
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In a follow-up operation on Wednesday, January 14, troops raided a suspected armed robbery hideout on the outskirts of Kaura town. During the operation, four suspected criminals — Abubakar Ibrahim (35), Ibrahim Isa (37), Suleiman Auwal (25), and Suleiman Tahiru — were neutralised.
Items recovered from the scene included a locally fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two motorcycles believed to have been used in criminal activities.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were part of a wider syndicate linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal acts along key routes in the area.
JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and ensuring the safety and security of residents across the joint operations area.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Captain Joshua Atu John, Acting Media Information Officer of JTF Operation ENDURING PEACE, on January 14, 2026.
By PRNigeria
