Eight farmers who were kidnapped on April 12, 2026, near Kankomi village in Kaduna State have regained their freedom, according to security sources. The victims were abducted from their farmlands and held captive for several weeks before being released on May 6 from a terrorist camp in Rijana Forest.
Release and Handover
The freed farmers reached a military forward base on May 7, where they were received by troops. Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that the victims arrived at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tantatu in Kajuru Local Government Area at approximately 9:00 a.m. on May 7. They were subsequently handed over to local authorities in Chikun Local Government Area for further care and assistance.
Ongoing Security Operations
Security agencies have confirmed that operations are being intensified to combat criminal groups operating within forests and rural communities across Kaduna State. The release of the eight farmers highlights the persistent threat of banditry and kidnapping for ransom that targets rural farmlands in the region.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were among those abducted on April 12 from farmlands near Kankomi village. Their release from the terrorist camp in Rijana Forest marks a positive development in ongoing efforts to secure the safety of residents in Kaduna State.
