Troops rescue 21 kidnapped victims in Kwara, Kogi – Army
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 2 Division, Nigerian Army, under Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMA, have rescued 21 kidnapped victims during coordinated clearance operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
This is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, on Friday.
Okoye said the rescue operation, conducted on Oct. 17 by troops of 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, was part of sustained efforts to eliminate banditry and other forms of criminality within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
He said the operation, which involved ground and aerial coordination, forced the bandits to release their captives following intensified offensive actions by the troops.
“The rescued victims include 14 males, five females, one infant, and four Chinese nationals who were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States.
“Some of the victims had been held in captivity for over four months before they were rescued,” Okoye said.
He explained that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, who also serves as the Commander of Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, personally coordinated the rescue mission and ensured that the victims received prompt medical attention and relief support.
“General Nnebeife sympathised with the victims and reassured that the Division remains resolute in sustaining the ongoing onslaught against bandits and other criminal elements.
“He stated clearly that there will be no hiding place for criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility,” the statement added.
According to Okoye, the rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment, with most of them reported to be in a weak condition due to prolonged captivity.
“Those who were physically exhausted and unable to walk unaided are responding to treatment and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery,” he said.
The statement also quoted the GOC as commending the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous air support throughout the operations, which he said contributed significantly to the success of the mission.
“General Nnebeife also appreciated the synergy among various security agencies in tackling the myriad of security challenges across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states,” Okoye added.
He said the GOC had further directed the troops to maintain the tempo of operations, assuring that the Nigerian Army would continue to intensify efforts to restore peace and stability across the Division’s operational areas.
