NIGERIA: Troops Rescue 21 Kidnap Victims In Kwara, Kogi During Sustained Army Offensive

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Troops of the Nigerian Army under 2 Division and Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMA have rescued 21 kidnapped victims in a coordinated operation across Kwara and Kogi States.

The successful operation, conducted on October 17, 2025, was part of the ongoing offensive against bandits and other criminal elements in the region.

According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the rescue mission was carried out by troops of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin.

The victims, consisting of 14 males, 5 females, an infant, and 4 Chinese nationals, were freed after sustained military pressure forced the abductors to release them.

Some of the victims, who had been in captivity for over four months, revealed that they were abducted from various locations across the two states.

Following their rescue, the victims were provided medical attention and relief materials at a military medical facility.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, who supervised the operation, expressed sympathy to the victims and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to eradicating banditry and restoring peace in the area.

He assured that the ongoing onslaught against criminal elements would be sustained until normalcy is fully restored.

Major General Nnebeife also appreciated the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous air support and lauded other security agencies for their collaboration in tackling insecurity in the region.

He commended the troops for their gallantry and directed them to maintain the operational momentum.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of citizens, urging communities in Kwara, Kogi, and neighboring states to continue supporting military efforts through timely intelligence sharing.