Troops Rescue 21 Kidnap Victims, Including Four Chinese Nationals, in Kwara and Kogi
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, in coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi states.
The army said the rescue, carried out on Thursday under Operation FANSAN YAMA, followed intensified military offensives targeting bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, confirmed the operation in a statement on Saturday. He said the mission involved personnel from the 2 Division Headquarters, the 12 Brigade in Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade in Ilorin.
Okoye explained that the freed victims comprised 14 men, five women, an infant, and four Chinese nationals who had been abducted from different locations across the two states. Some of them, he said, had been held captive for more than four months.
“In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims,” Okoye stated.
He said the troops’ sustained offensives forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee from their hideouts. The rescued persons were later evacuated to a military medical facility for first aid and further treatment.
“Most of them were physically weak and could not walk unaided owing to extreme exhaustion. They are responding to treatment and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery,” he added.
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander of Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, personally supervised the operation and provided relief materials and medical assistance to the victims.
While sympathising with them, Nnebeife reaffirmed the army’s resolve to sustain its operations against bandits and other criminal groups in the region.
“We remain committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements. There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s area of responsibility,” he said.
The GOC also commended the Nigerian Air Force for its aerial support and other security agencies for their collaboration throughout the operation.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous air support and the synergy of other security agencies in addressing the myriad of security challenges in the state,” he said.
Nnebeife praised the troops for their professionalism and gallantry, urging them to sustain the momentum of the operation to restore peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states.
The army appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could help track criminal elements still operating in remote communities.
