Nigerian Army troops
In a coordinated offensive, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims from criminal enclaves spread across Kwara and Kogi States.
The operation, which took place on Friday, was confirmed in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Saturday.
Okoye said the rescue mission was carried out by joint forces from the 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, as part of sustained efforts to flush out bandits and criminal gangs threatening security in the region.
> “The victims disclosed that they were abducted from various locations in both Kwara and Kogi States,” Okoye revealed.
He added that relentless pressure from troops forced the bandits to abandon their captives, some of whom had been held in captivity for over four months.
The operation was closely coordinated by Major General CR Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander of Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA. Upon rescue, the victims were given emergency medical care and essential supplies to help them recover from the physical and psychological trauma they endured.
> “Major General Nnebeife sympathized with the victims and reassured them of the Army’s ongoing commitment to crush all criminal elements,” Okoye stated.
The GOC also warned that there would be “no hiding place” for bandits within the Division’s Area of Responsibility, which covers parts of the North Central region.
The rescued individuals were transported to a military hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Many were reportedly too weak to walk unaided due to prolonged starvation and exhaustion, but are now showing signs of recovery.
> “Once they regain full strength, they will be reunited with their families,” Okoye added.
In his statement, Maj. Gen. Nnebeife extended appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its air support throughout the mission and acknowledged the contributions of other security agencies for the inter-agency collaboration that made the operation successful.
He also commended the troops for their bravery and directed that the momentum be maintained until peace and stability are fully restored across Kwara, Kogi, and other states within the division’s operational zone.
