Again, Army Eliminates Bandits, Rescues 9 Abducted Victims in Kwara
The Nigerian Army has recorded another success in its ongoing counter-banditry operations across Kwara and Kogi states, neutralising several bandits and rescuing nine kidnapped victims.
The operation, conducted by troops under 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, is part of a sustained military offensive against bandits and terrorists operating in the North-West and parts of the North-Central region.
According to the spokesman of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, the victims—comprising four men and five women—were rescued during a night patrol on Monday along the Egbe–Okura road in Kogi State and the Okoloke–Patigi route in Kwara State, particularly within the Essalu community in Yagba West Local Government Area.
Okoye disclosed that the rescued victims were abducted from their community, Matoku, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on September 24.
“During interrogation, the victims revealed that about three weeks ago, terrorists raided their village, Matoku, and kidnapped several residents. They also rustled an unconfirmed number of cattle,” Okoye said.
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He noted that the rescue followed extensive clearance operations around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara states.
Okoye explained that sustained troop presence and aggressive operations in the area forced the criminals to abandon the hostages and flee.
The rescued victims were identified as Abdullahi Umar (35), Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa (55), Labaran Abubakar (45), Umar Yanda (30), Mrs. Hassana Muhammad (25), Mrs. Maryam Muhammad (27), Mrs. Aisha Idris (20), and Miss Zainab Ahmed (12).
Following their rescue, the victims were administered first aid, provided food, and later addressed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, before being handed over to the Patigi Local Government authorities for reunification with their families.
“The GOC later proceeded to Lata in Patigi Local Government Area, where he commended troops of 12 and 22 Brigades for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational success,” Okoye added.
The spokesman reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eradicating banditry and terrorism in the region. He urged residents to continue providing credible information to aid security forces in safeguarding lives and property.
By PRNigeria
