By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
Troops of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, under Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have successfully rescued nine kidnapped victims during sustained clearance operations across communities in Kwara and Kogi States.
According to a statement issued in Ilorin by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Polycarp Okoye, the victimscomprising four males and five females were intercepted at Essalu community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Okoye disclosed that the victims were abducted from their village, Matoku, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, about three weeks ago when armed bandits invaded the community and rustled an unspecified number of cattle.
He said the rescue followed intensive night patrols along Egbe–Okuran in Kogi State and Okoloke–Patigi in Kwara State, as part of continued efforts to flush out criminal elements from the area.
“The achievement was a result of sustained clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Baba-Sango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kwara and Kogi States,” the statement reads in part
During interrogation, the victims narrated that their abductors became unsettled following the troops’ intensified operations in the area, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee.
Those rescued include Mr. Abdullahi Umar (35), Mr. Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa (55), Mr. Labaran Abubakar (45), Mr. Umar Yanda (30), Mrs. Hassana Muhammad (25), Mrs. Maryam Muhammad (27), Mrs. Aisha Idris (20), and Miss Zainab Ahmed (12).
They were immediately given first aid treatment and food before being handed over to Patigi Local Government authorities for reunification with their families.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division Nigerian Army/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, while addressing the victims, commended the troops for their operational effectiveness and coordination.
He later proceeded to Lata, in Patigi LGA, where he lauded the synergy between the 12 Brigade and 22 Brigade for their combined efforts in the fight against insecurity.
Lieutenant Okoye reiterated the Nigerian Army’s appeal to the public to provide credible intelligence to support ongoing military operations aimed at securing lives and property across the country.