The Nigerian Army says its troops under 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims from bandits’ captivity in Kwara and Kogi States.
Lt.-Col. Polcarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday.
According to Okoye, the victims were rescued on Friday through coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, following weeks of sustained offensives against criminal hideouts across the region.
He said the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements terrorizing communities in Kwara and neighboring states.
“The victims revealed that they were abducted from various locations in Kwara and Kogi States. The bandits were forced to release their captives due to the troops’ intensified pressure and coordinated ground operations,” Okoye stated.
He added that some of the victims had been held hostage for over four months before their rescue.
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Okoye noted that the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, supervised the rescue mission and ensured that the victims received immediate first aid, food, and medical support upon evacuation.
“Major General Nnebeife sympathized with the victims and reassured the public that the Division remains resolute in its mission to crush banditry and restore lasting peace. There will be no hiding place for criminal elements,” he said.
Okoye confirmed that the victims were airlifted to a military medical facility for further treatment, as many were weak and unable to walk due to exhaustion.
He said they are responding positively to treatment and will be reunited with their families once fully recovered.
The GOC, Maj.-Gen. Nnebeife, also appreciated the Nigerian Air Force for its sustained air support and commended other security agencies for their synergy in tackling security threats across the operational areas.
He further directed the 12 and 22 Brigades to sustain the tempo of operations to ensure peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states within 2 Division’s Area of Responsibility.
