Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 21 kidnap victims, including four Chinese nationals, during coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States, officials announced on Saturday.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the daring rescue mission was executed on Friday, October 17, 2025, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military offensive targeting bandits and kidnappers in the North-Central region.
“In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims,” Lt. Col. Okoye said.
The rescue operation involved personnel from the 2 Division Headquarters, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin. The victims, comprising 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals were reportedly abducted from various locations across Kwara and Kogi States.
“The coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals,” Okoye explained.
He added that some of the captives had been held for over four months before their release, following intensified offensives that forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims.
“The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi states. Following the troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives,” he said.
Okoye noted that all rescued victims were immediately taken to a military medical facility for first aid and comprehensive treatment.
“We remain committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements. There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s area of responsibility,” he stated.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division commended the Nigerian Air Force for providing crucial aerial support during the operation and praised other security agencies for their collaboration.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous air support throughout the operations,” he said. “We also thank other security agencies for their synergy in addressing the myriad of security challenges in the state.”
The GOC also applauded the courage and professionalism of the troops, urging them to sustain the momentum.
“The troops have shown professionalism, courage, and resilience. I have directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states,” he added.
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