Military Operations in Kaduna Leave Seven Suspects Dead, Victim Rescued

By Zainab Uzomah

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have carried out a series of operations in Kaduna State, killing several suspected criminals, rescuing a kidnapped girl and recovering weapons, according to military authorities.

In a statement issued by Captain Joshua Atu John, Acting Media Information Officer for the Joint Task Force, the operations were conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday in Kaura Local Government Area as part of Operation Peace Shield.

On Tuesday, troops from Sector 7 responded to credible information about the abduction and rape of a girl in Kajim village. Soldiers pursued the suspects and engaged them in a firefight, during which three men — identified as Yusuf Musa, Auwal Adamu and Kamal Abdul — were killed. The victim was subsequently rescued, debriefed and reunited with her family.

In a separate operation on Wednesday, troops raided what the military described as an armed robbery hideout on the outskirts of Kaura. Four suspects — Abubakar Ibrahim, 35; Ibrahim Isa, 37; Suleiman Auwal, 25; and Suleiman Tahiru — were killed after an exchange of gunfire. A fabricated rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and two motorcycles were recovered.

Preliminary findings, the statement said, indicated that the group was part of a syndicate linked to kidnappings, armed robbery and other criminal activities along the Ganawuri–Manchok corridor.

The Joint Task Force said it would continue operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks and enhancing security across the region.