Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have launched rescue and offensive operations following the abduction of a medical doctor and the wife of an Hakimi in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The incident occurred at about 7:40 a.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Abu village, Ninzo Ward, Sanga LGA.

According to a security source, troops of Sector 7, Sub-Sector 71, deployed at Raga General Duty location, responded to a report of the abduction of Dr. Ezekiel Audu and the wife of the local Hakimi.

Preliminary information indicated that the kidnappers opened fire after two local residents confronted them while they were fleeing with the abducted victims.

The two locals were reportedly killed in the attack.

Following the incident, troops immediately initiated rescue and offensive operations based on intelligence pointing to a possible hideout of the fleeing kidnappers.

The troops subsequently moved into the identified area in an attempt to intercept the criminals and rescue the victims.

However, no contact had been established with the kidnappers as of the latest security update.

The military said efforts remain ongoing to locate and rescue the abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

Security forces are maintaining heightened surveillance across the area as the search operation continues. (Zagazola)