The Nigerian Army, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, has successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims from bandits operating across Kwara and Kogi States. This was confirmed in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 2 Division, Nigerian Army.

According to the statement, the rescue operation was coordinated by troops of the 12 Brigade Lokoja and the 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal groups terrorizing communities in the region. The rescued individuals comprised 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals, who were abducted from various locations across the two states.

The victims revealed that some of them had been held hostage for over four months before being freed due to the army’s intensified offensive against the bandits. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 2 Division and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, supervised the operation and ensured that all rescued victims received first aid and relief materials to aid their recovery.

Major General Nnebeife sympathized with the victims and reassured the public that the army remains committed to sustaining operations against bandits and other criminal elements. He vowed that there would be no hiding place for those involved in kidnapping and other acts of insecurity within the Division’s area of responsibility.

Following their rescue, the victims were evacuated to a military medical facility for proper medical evaluation and care. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its determination to restore peace and security in the affected states and beyond.