Troops rescue 21 kidnap victims in major operations across Kwara, neighbouring states

In a successful counter-insurgency operation, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, have rescued 21 kidnap victims during coordinated missions across Kwara State and its neighbouring states.

The joint operations, carried out by soldiers from the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, were part of ongoing efforts to eliminate bandits and criminal gangs terrorising the region.

A statement issued Public Relations of 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel  Polycarp Okoye, said the rescued victims include  “14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.

“The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States. Followimg troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom have been with them for over 4 months.”

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, sympathised with the victims, reassuring that the Division remains committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements.

He stated that there will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).

The GOC further appreciated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continuous air support throughout the operations and  thanked  other security agencies for the synergy in tackling the myriad of security challenges in the State.

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for medical attention. Most of them who were physically weak and could not walk unaided, owing to extreme exhaustion, are responding to treatment, and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.