Kogiflame
Troops of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, under Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMA, have confirmed the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims, including four (4) Chinese nationals, during coordinated clearance operations across Kwara and Kogi States
This is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, on Friday.
Okoye said the rescue operation, conducted on Oct. 17 by troops of 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, was part of sustained efforts to eliminate banditry and other forms of criminality within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
According to the statement, those rescued include, 14 males, 5females, 1 infant and 4 Chinese nationals.
The victims, who were abducted from different locations across the two states, were reportedly released by their captors due to the intensified and continuous offensive operations launched by the military. Some of the hostages had been held by the bandits for over four months.
Major General C.R. Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, personally coordinated the efforts to provide immediate care to the freed victims.
He said the operation, which involved ground and aerial coordination, forced the bandits to release their captives following intensified offensive actions by the troops.
“The rescued victims include 14 males, five females, one infant, and four Chinese nationals who were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi States.
“Some of the victims had been held in captivity for over four months before they were rescued,” Okoye said.
“The GOC ensured they were provided with necessary first aid and other relief items to assist them recover from the torture they had gone through in the hands of their abductors,” Lt. Col. Okoye stated.
Many of the rescued individuals were described as physically weak and unable to walk due to “extreme exhaustion.”
According to Okoye, the rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment, with most of them reported to be in a weak condition due to prolonged captivity.
“Those who were physically exhausted and unable to walk unaided are responding to treatment and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery,” he said.
Major General Nnebeife expressed his condolences to the victims for their ordeal and firmly reassured the public of the Division’s commitment to eradicating all criminal elements.
“General Nnebeife sympathized with the victims and reassured that the Division remains resolute in sustaining the ongoing onslaught against bandits and other criminal elements.
“There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR),” he stated, while commending the continuous air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and the synergy demonstrated by other security agencies.
The GOC has directed the Brigades involved to maintain the current operational tempo to fully restore peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states.
