The [Nigerian Army](https://www.nigerianarmy.gov.ng)’s 3 Brigade announced on Saturday that its troops eliminated two suspected kidnappers, rescued an abducted man and recovered a N10 million ransom during a joint operation in Falgore Forest, Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.
The raid was carried out under [Operation MESA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_MESA) after Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu was seized at Fanyabo village in the forest on 11 October 2026. The victim had been travelling back from Yandoka Market in Kaduna State around midnight when the abduction occurred. His family, residing in Yan Taburmi village, was later contacted by the kidnappers demanding payment.
**What agencies participated in the raid?**
According to a statement released by Major Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 3 Brigade, the soldiers acted on credible intelligence and set up an ambush together with police, the [Department of State Services (DSS)](https://dss.gov.ng) and local hunters.
The coordinated assault resulted in the neutralisation of the two alleged kidnappers while other members of the criminal gang fled deeper into the forest. The rescued victim was handed back to his relatives, and the recovered N10 million, which the family had paid as ransom, was returned to them.
Brigadier General Saka Jimoh, commander of the 3 Brigade, praised his troops for their vigilance, professionalism and fighting spirit. He reiterated the brigade’s resolve to keep pressure on criminal elements and prevent further security breaches in the area.
The commander also appealed to the public to provide timely and reliable information to security agencies to aid the maintenance of peace and safety across Kano State.