JUST IN: 21 Abductees Regain Freedom as Army Sustains Offensive Against Bandits in Kwara, Kogi
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA have rescued 21 kidnapped victims in a major counter-banditry operation across Kwara and Kogi States.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, the rescue operation took place on 17 October 2025 following coordinated offensives by troops of the 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin.
Okoye disclosed that the rescued victims include 14 males, 5 females, an infant, and 4 Chinese nationals who were abducted from various locations across Kwara and Kogi States. He noted that some of the victims had been in captivity for more than four months before the military’s intensified operations forced the bandits to release them.
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The statement quoted the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, as saying that the victims were immediately provided with first aid and other relief materials to help them recover from the trauma of their ordeal.
“Major General Nnebeife sympathised with the victims and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining its ongoing onslaught against criminal elements. He assured that there will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility,” the statement read.
The rescued victims were evacuated to a military medical facility for proper treatment. Many of them, who were reportedly too weak to walk unaided due to exhaustion, are responding positively to medical care and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.
The GOC also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous air support throughout the operation, as well as other security agencies for their cooperation in tackling the prevailing security challenges in the region.
He further praised the troops for their dedication and directed the brigades to maintain the current tempo to restore peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and other adjoining states under the 2 Division’s jurisdiction.
By PRNigeria
