Army rescue nine kidnapped victims in Kogi/Kwara border area

The Nigerian Army (NA) troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA have successfully secured the release of nine kidnapped victims in the ongoing effort to combat criminal elements in their Area of Responsibility (AOR).

The rescue took place on October 13, 2025, during a night patrol along the Egbe - Okuran in Kogi State and Okoloke through Patigi in Kwara State. Troops intercepted the nine victims four males and five females at Essalu community in Yagba West Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.

The rescued individuals had been abducted almost three weeks prior, on September 24, 2025, from their community, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State. Upon interrogation, the victims recounted that terrorists had raided their village, kidnapping several persons and rustling an unconfirmed number of cattle.

According to a release by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, the milestone achievement is a direct result of "continued extensive clearance operations" by troops around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities in Kogi and Kwara States.

The victims narrated that the sustained military operations caused their abductors to become "apprehensive," compelling the terrorists to abandon them and flee.

The rescued victims have been identified as: 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 Mrs. Zainab Ahmed (12).

The troops administered first aid and provided food to the victims. Major General CR Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, addressed the victims before they were officially handed over to the Patigi LGA authority to facilitate their reunion with their families.

The GOC later visited Lata in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, where he commended the troops of both the 12 and 22 Brigades for their "continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency."

The Nigerian Army reiterated its appeal to the general public to continually provide troops with credible information to aid the fight against insecurity and ensure the effective securing of lives and property across Nigeria.