Nigerian army rescues 11 kidnapped victims after 92 days in captivity

The Nigerian army announced on Tuesday the successful rescue of 11 kidnapping victims who had been held captive for 92 days. According to a statement released on social media platform X, a precision night operation was conducted late Monday along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway after the kidnappers' location was identified through advanced surveillance. The suspects abandoned their captives and fled the area upon the military's arrival.

Details of the Rescue

The rescued individuals, which included three children, were abducted from the Gada Mallam Maman community in October. Nigeria has been grappling with a severe and prolonged security crisis characterized by widespread kidnappings, banditry, and militant violence, particularly in the northwestern and central regions of the country.

Broader Security Context and International Response

The security situation has attracted international scrutiny, with some U.S. officials alleging that violence in certain areas constitutes persecution of Christian communities, while some observers describe elements of the conflict as religiously motivated. The Nigerian government rejects these characterizations, maintaining that both Christian and Muslim communities are affected and that the violence is primarily driven by criminality, poverty, and socio-economic factors. In a demonstration of international security cooperation, the United States conducted airstrikes against militant camps in northwestern Nigeria late last year in coordination with Nigerian authorities.