Troops rescue nine kidnapped victims in Kogi, Kwara border operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims during a night patrol around the Kogi–Kwara border.
The victims, comprising four men and five women, were intercepted on Oct. 13 at Essalu community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. They were said to have been abducted from Matoku community in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on Sept. 24.
According to army authorities, the victims revealed that terrorists invaded their community about three weeks ago, abducted several persons, and rustled an unspecified number of cattle.
The rescue followed sustained clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States.
The victims explained that their captors abandoned them and fled after coming under pressure from the troops’ intensified operations in the area.
Those rescued include Abdullahi Umar, 35; Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, 55; Labaran Abubakar, 45; and Umar Yanda, 30. Others are Hassana Muhammad, 25; Maryam Muhammad, 27; Aisha Idris, 20; and Zainab Ahmed, 12.
They were administered first aid treatment, provided with food, and later handed over to the Patigi Local Government Authority for reunification with their families.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, commended the troops for their professionalism and synergy during a visit to Lata in Patigi LGA.
He reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining its operations against criminal elements across its area of responsibility and appealed to the public to continue providing credible information to aid security efforts.
