The Nigerian Army troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued another nine kidnap victims from Kwara State in Kogi State.
The acting deputy director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Polycarp Okoye, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Okoye said the kidnap victims were rescued on Monday, October 13, 2025, during a night patrol along Egbe-Okuran in Kogi State, and Okoloke through Patigi in Kwara State, on the same day.
He added that, “troops intercepted 9 kidnap victims at Essalu community, in Yagba west LGA of Kogi State. Amongst the rescued victims are 4 males, and 5 females who were kidnapped from their community, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State on 24 September, 2025.
“On interrogation, the victims revealed that about 3 weeks ago, terrorists raided their village, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, and kidnapped several persons. It was also disclosed that the criminals rustled unconfirmed number of cattle.”
Okoye said that the milestone achievement was as a result of the continued extensive clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States.
“The victims further narrated that the bandits who took them suddenly became apprehensive, resulting from our troops sustained operations in the area. Consequently, they (terrorists) were compelled by circumstances to abandon them and flee.
“The intercepted kidnap victims include; Mr Abdullahi Umar, aged 35, Mr Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, aged 55, Mr Labaran Abubakar, aged 45, and Mr Umar Yanda, aged 30. Others are Mrs Hassana Muhammad, aged 25, Mrs Maryam Muhammad, aged 27, Mrs Aisha Idris, aged 20, and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, aged 12.
“They were administered first aid treatments and provided with food while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, addressed the victims before they were handed to Patigi LGA authority to aid them reunite with their respective families.
“The GOC further proceeded to Lata, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, where he applauded troops of both 12 and 22 Brigades for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency. ”
The spokesman appealed to the people to always avail the troops with credible information that would aid the fight against insecurity.
