The Kogi State Government has commended security operatives for the successful rescue of five kidnapped victims, describing the operation as another significant milestone in the ongoing campaign against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers operating within the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government said the victims were rescued by troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army during sustained military operations targeting criminal hideouts in Kogi forests.
According to the statement, the rescue followed coordinated air and ground offensives that have continued to put immense pressure on terrorist camps and criminal enclaves across the state, forcing the abductors to abandon their captives while fleeing advancing troops.
The government noted that the latest success builds on recent security victories recorded in the Bunu District of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where security agencies neutralized several terrorists, rescued kidnapped victims and dismantled criminal camps.
Preliminary reports from the rescued victims indicated that their abductors fled due to the intensity of military operations. The victims reportedly disclosed that continuous attacks on the criminals’ hideouts created panic within the camps, compelling the kidnappers to disperse and leave their captives behind.
The state government praised the efforts of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes and hunters for their commitment and professionalism in combating insecurity.
It also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening national security, as well as the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and heads of various security agencies for their support in restoring peace and stability in Kogi State.
The government observed that some of the rescued victims were abducted from neighbouring states, a development it said underscores Kogi’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s security architecture as a key link between the northern and southern regions of the country.
Fanwo stated that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration has continued to provide logistics, intelligence and operational support to security agencies to ensure that Kogi does not serve as a safe haven or transit route for criminal elements.
He highlighted recent measures introduced by the state government, including restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in vulnerable areas, closure of routes frequently used by criminals, regulation of fuel sales and a reorganization of the state’s security structure.
According to him, these measures have disrupted the logistics network of criminal groups, curtailed their movements and weakened their operational capacity across affected communities.
The government further maintained that investments in intelligence gathering, security infrastructure, community-based security initiatives and inter-agency collaboration are yielding positive results and strengthening Kogi’s reputation as one of the safest states in the country.
Governor Ododo congratulated the rescued victims and their families, assuring residents that his administration would continue working closely with security agencies until all criminal hideouts are dismantled and lasting peace is achieved across the state.
The governor also directed the Ministry of Health to provide comprehensive medical examinations, treatment and psychosocial support for the rescued victims to aid their recovery and reintegration into society.
Receiving the victims on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Austin Ojotule assured that the ministry would oversee their medical evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation until they are fully fit to reunite with their families.
The Kogi State Government urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that the fight against insecurity requires collective responsibility and cooperation from all citizens.
