By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Nigerian Army, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, has successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims during coordinated operations in Kwara and Kogi States.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Nigerian Army.
According to the statement, the rescue operation was carried out by troops of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, as part of sustained efforts to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating across the region.
The rescued victims comprise 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals. They were reportedly abducted from different locations in Kwara and Kogi States. Following intensified military offensives, the bandits were forced to release their captives—some of whom had been held for over four months.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander, Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, who coordinated the operation, ensured the victims received immediate first aid and relief support to aid their recovery.
Major General Nnebeife sympathized with the victims and reaffirmed the Division’s commitment to sustaining its onslaught against criminal groups, stressing that there would be no hiding place for bandits within the Division’s area of responsibility.
The rescued victims were evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment. Many, who were weak and exhausted due to prolonged captivity, are reportedly responding well to medical care and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.
