Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 21 kidnap victims — including four Chinese nationals — during coordinated military operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the successful rescue took place on Thursday, October 17, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, an ongoing offensive against bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.
Okoye said the operation, jointly conducted by troops of the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, resulted in the freedom of 14 men, five women, an infant, and the Chinese nationals. Some of the captives, he added, had been held hostage for over four months before the coordinated rescue.
“The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States,” Okoye said. “Following the troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives.”
He explained that the victims were taken to a military medical facility for emergency care and comprehensive treatment. Many of them, he said, were physically weak and exhausted but have since begun recovering and will soon be reunited with their families.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, personally supervised the rescue mission and provided relief materials and medical support to the freed victims.
“We remain committed to sustaining the onslaught against criminal elements. There will be no hiding place for bandits or kidnappers within our area of responsibility,” Nnebeife assured.
He also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its aerial support and acknowledged the collaboration of other security agencies in the joint operations.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the Nigerian Air Force for its consistent air support and the synergy from other security agencies in tackling insecurity in the region,” he said.
Major General Nnebeife further lauded the troops’ professionalism and bravery, urging them to sustain the momentum to restore lasting peace across Kwara, Kogi, and neighbouring states.
The army, meanwhile, urged residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing military efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence on criminal activities within their communities.
