The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued ten kidnapped women. The rescue happened early Friday in Kaduna State. A special military operation freed the women in Sanga Local Government Area. Officials named the mission Operation Peace Shield. The army provided the information in a public statement. Details about the women's health were not immediately shared. It is also unclear when or where the kidnapping took place. The army said the freed captives are now in safe hands. They are receiving necessary care and support.
Kaduna State faces frequent security challenges. Armed groups often attack communities and travelers. Kidnapping for ransom is a common tactic. These groups target both locals and visitors. The state government has imposed strict measures. A ban on motorcycle taxis aims to reduce crime. Curfews are also in effect in troubled areas. Despite these steps, violent incidents continue. The latest rescue shows the ongoing threat to civilians. It also highlights military efforts to fight back.
A local government official confirmed the army's report. The official praised the troops for their swift action. He said community tips helped the security forces. Cooperation between locals and soldiers is vital. Such teamwork can lead to successful operations. The official did not name the specific community involved. He cited security reasons for withholding that detail. Protecting the area from reprisal attacks is a major concern. The army statement also urged citizens to report suspicious activity.
Security analysts note the complexity of the situation. Sanga LGA is near the boundary of Kaduna and Plateau states. This region is known for volatile security. Clashes between farmers and herders occur there. Criminal gangs also operate in the area. These groups sometimes work together. They attack villages and ambush roads. The analysts say military pressure is important. Yet a long-term solution needs more than force. Addressing the root causes of conflict is essential.
The Nigerian Army has increased operations across the north-west. This region has seen a rise in kidnap gangs. The gangs are often called bandits by local media. They use remote forests as hiding places. From there they launch raids on nearby towns. The military uses air strikes and ground patrols. They aim to find and destroy these hideouts. The rescue in Sanga is part of this wider campaign. Success depends on good information and rapid movement.
Kaduna's state governor welcomed the news of the rescue. He thanked the army for its work. The governor said security is his government's top priority. He promised more resources for safety operations. The governor also called for patience from citizens. He said defeating the criminals will take time. Community leaders in Sanga echoed the governor's thanks. They asked for more army posts in the area. They believe a constant security presence would deter attacks.
The ten rescued women are now with state officials. The officials will help them return to their families. Medical checks and counseling are being provided. The trauma of kidnapping can have long-lasting effects. Support services are crucial for recovery. The army did not say if any ransom was paid before the rescue. Often families pay large sums to free loved ones. This practice fuels the kidnapping business. Security forces try to stop payments through successful rescues.
No group has claimed responsibility for this kidnapping. Most kidnappings in the region are for money. They are not usually linked to ideological militant groups. The goal is financial gain, not political change. This makes the criminals harder to track. They operate in small, flexible cells. They communicate using basic phones and motorcycles. The army's challenge is to find them before they strike. They also must find them before they move hostages to new locations.
This incident adds to recent security data. Reports show hundreds of people were kidnapped in Kaduna last year. Thousands have been taken across Nigeria's northern states. The government faces growing public pressure. People want to see a clear drop in these crimes. Military operations have scored some wins. Yet many citizens feel unsafe on major roads. They also feel unsafe in their farms and villages. Trust in security forces is mixed in different communities.
The army's statement ended with a note of determination. It said troops will continue aggressive patrols. They will hunt down all criminal elements in the region. The commitment is to restore peace and allow normal life. For the ten women rescued on Friday, that promise now feels more real. Their ordeal is over because of one nighttime operation. For many others still missing, the wait for freedom continues.