Nigerian army successfully freed 21 people, including four Chinese nationals, in strategic operations launched to combat banditry and kidnappings across Kwara and Kogi states on Thursday.
The rescue mission involved personnel from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade in Ilorin under Operation FANSAN YAMA.
Among the freed victims were 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese citizens, some held captive for more than four months.
The troops guided by intelligence launched strategic attacks on bandit hideouts in suspected locations, forcing kidnappers to release their captives. The victims were taken to a military medical facility for first aid treatment.
Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations stressed that;
The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi states. Following the troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom had been with them for over four months
Major General C. R. Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander of Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, who supervised the operation, praised the courage and determination of the troops in fighting against insecurity. He also acknowledged the support of the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies throughout the operations.
The Nigerian Army confirmed that the rescued victims are recovering and will soon reunite with their families.
Residents are urged to assist by sharing credible information to help track remaining criminal elements in the region.
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