Nigerian Army rescues 11 kidnap victims after 92 days in captivity

By Zainab Uzomah

The Nigerian Army says it has rescued 11 people who had been held captive for more than three months during an overnight operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway.

In a statement, the Army said troops from the Forward Operating Base in Doka spotted armed militants late on Sunday using long-range CCTV surveillance as they attempted to move their captives through a bush track near Gidan Duna and Amale.

Soldiers then mounted a rapid pursuit using tactical vehicles and motorcycles, forcing the gunmen to abandon the hostages and flee into nearby bush. The victims—five men, three women and three children—were abducted from Gada Mallam Maman community on 26 October 2025.

The Army said the rescue demonstrates the growing use of surveillance technology in its operations and its continued efforts to secure major routes and restrict the movement of armed groups.