Troops, police rescue eight kidnap victims in Kaduna forest

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nigerian Army troops of Sector 7 of Operation OPEP, in collaboration with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards and local hunters, have rescued eight kidnapped victims from Badurum Kasa Forest in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A security source told Zagazola Makama that the successful operation was carried out on Jan. 28 following actionable intelligence on the hideout of the kidnappers.

According to the source, the joint team mobilised at about 4:23 p.m. and advanced into the forest, where they made contact with the criminals around 5:59 p.m.

“On sighting the troops, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled in disarray into the surrounding bushes,” the source said.

The source added that all the victims were rescued unharmed and immediately evacuated from the forest.

Those rescued were identified as Mrs Rashida Musa, Mrs Hafsat Nuhu, Mr Zakari Saleh, Miss Hasiya Yahaya, Mr Ahmed Yahaya, Mr Ibrahim Saiba, Miss Salma Yahaya and Mr Sophan Idris.

“They were all successfully reunited with their families after medical checks and initial debriefing,” the source said.

The troops have commenced follow-up operations to exploit the area and track down the fleeing suspects.

Troops, police rescue eight kidnap victims in Kaduna forest

Suspected herders kill man in fresh attack on Agagbe–Naka road

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected armed herders have killed a man along the Agagbe–Naka–Agatu road in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources told Zagazola hat the incident occurred on Jan. 27 at about 6:01 p.m.

According to the source, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Naka Division received a distress call from military personnel that one Iorsugh Genabe of Naka had been attacked and killed by suspected herder bandits while travelling along the road.

“The DPO immediately mobilised a patrol team alongside other tactical units and proceeded to the scene,” the source said.

The police added that the corpse of the victim was recovered and deposited at the Agagbe mortuary for autopsy.

“Efforts are ongoing to track down the suspects and effect their arrest.

“The State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has taken over the case for discreet investigation,” the source added.

The command said security had been reinforced in the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.

Suspected herders kill man in fresh attack on Agagbe–Naka road

Principal, ex-vice principal arrested in Dutsi, Katsina State over alleged theft of school equipment

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police have arrested the principal and former vice principal of Government Secondary School Shargalle in Dutsi Local Government Area of Katsina State over alleged theft of school property.

It was gathered that the case, transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, relates to an incident on 19 January 2026, when unknown persons broke into the school around 0600hrs and stole inverter batteries and other laboratory equipment.

Zagazola was reliably informed that Investigation led to the arrest of Principal Bashir Musa, 58, of Shadambu Low Cost Daura, and ex-vice principal Abubakar Aliyu, 48, of Shargalle.

Recovered items from the principal’s residence included four solar panels, five desktop computers, three CPU units, one solar battery, one printer, and two hair clippers, all belonging to the school.

The principal reportedly confessed to the theft.

Police said efforts are ongoing to recover additional stolen items and apprehend other suspects. Investigation is ongoing.

Principal, ex-vice principal arrested in Dutsi, Katsina State over alleged theft of school equipment