Troops have rescued a two-year-old boy abducted alongside his mother by suspected kidnappers in Ungwan Nungu village, Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The child, identified as Jafaru Baba, was rescued during a military operation launched following intelligence on the movement of the kidnappers and their victims.
The operation was carried out around 4pm on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, according to security sources cited by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama.
The troops reportedly searched areas around Tayu High Grounds, Tayu village and adjoining communities in Sanga LGA in an effort to locate the abducted mother and her son.
During the operation, the troops reportedly encountered the suspected kidnappers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
The fleeing kidnappers subsequently abandoned the toddler and escaped into the surrounding bush, enabling the troops to recover the child.
Jafaru was later handed over to his father, while security operatives continued their search for his mother.
Security sources said the troops expended 17 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition during the encounter.
The security forces have intensified operations across the surrounding terrain in an effort to track down the fleeing suspects and rescue the boy’s mother.
The latest operation also forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to track and apprehend those responsible for the abduction in the Sanga area.