Troops Rescue Kidnapped Victims After Fierce Gun Battle in Kwara
Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued two kidnapped victims following a fierce gun battle with armed bandits in Efagi village, under Lafiagi, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The rescue operation took place in the early hours of Friday, 10 October 2025, after the troops deployed at the Lafiagi Patrol Base received a distress alert about the abduction. Acting swiftly, the soldiers, in collaboration with local vigilantes, mobilized to the scene and pursued the kidnappers into the forested area surrounding the community.
According to a statement by Captain Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade, the troops engaged the criminals in a gun duel, forcing the bandits to flee and abandon the captives. The two victims were safely rescued and reunited with their families.
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However, one soldier and a vigilante sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange. Both were immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment and are responding to care.
Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, Commander of 22 Armoured Brigade, commended the troops for their gallantry, professionalism, and swift response, which prevented further harm to the victims. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s determination to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements threatening peace and security in Kwara and adjoining states.
General Barkins also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing security operations in the region.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring that troops will continue to maintain an active presence in vulnerable communities to deter criminal activities.
By PRNigeria
