Army Rescues 9 Kidnap Victims In Kwara
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that, in a continued effort to combat criminal elements within its Area of Responsibility (AOR), troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division/Sector 3 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued nine kidnapped victims in Essalu Community, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue operation was carried out during a night patrol on Monday, October 13, along the Egbe-Okuran axis in Kogi State and through Okoloke to Patigi in Kwara State.
According to reports, the victims comprising four males and five females were abducted from Matoku community in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on September 24.
The victims identified themselves as Mr. Abdullahi Umar, 35; Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, 55; Mr. Labaran Abubakar, 45; and Mr. Umar Yanda, 30. Others included Mrs. Hassana Muhammad, 25; Mrs. Maryam Muhammad, 27; Mrs. Aisha Idris, 20; and Miss Zainab Ahmed, 12.
Confirming the rescue, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, stated that the victims informed the troops they had been abducted by armed bandits during a raid on their village nearly three weeks earlier.
Lt. Col. Okoye noted that the successful rescue was the result of extensive clearance operations conducted by troops across Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and other adjoining communities in Kogi and Kwara States.
“The victims explained that the bandits holding them hostage became increasingly uneasy due to the continuous military presence in the area, which eventually forced them to abandon the hostages and flee,” he said.
Following their rescue, the victims were given first aid treatment and provided with food. They were later addressed by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander, Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, before being handed over to the Patigi Local Government authorities for reunification with their families.
The GOC later visited Lata in Patigi LGA, where he commended troops of both the 12 and 22 Brigades for their ongoing synergy and commitment to operational success.
The statement concluded with a renewed appeal from the Nigerian Army to the general public to continue providing credible information that can support efforts to combat insecurity and protect lives and property across the country.
