Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, operating under the 2 Division, have rescued five kidnap victims who were abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Kogi State.
The rescue operation was carried out as part of intensified military efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist hideouts and disrupting criminal activities across forested areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, said the operation followed a series of coordinated ground and air offensives targeting terrorist enclaves within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
Victims Rescued During Blocking Operation
According to Abdullahi, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oshokoshoko were conducting a blocking operation along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route in Adankolo Forest when they discovered the victims.
He explained that the mission formed part of ongoing offensive operations designed to weaken criminal networks and deny terrorists freedom of movement within the area.
“The operation formed part of sustained offensive actions aimed at dismantling the criminal networks of notorious terrorist kingpins and denying them freedom of action within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility,” he said.
The military operation was reportedly launched after an air interdiction mission targeted a known terrorist camp in the forest.
Terrorists Flee Under Military Pressure
During the operation, troops found five kidnapped individuals who had been left behind by terrorists fleeing sustained military pressure.
Preliminary findings indicated that the victims regained their freedom after the criminals abandoned them while escaping from their hideouts following ongoing security operations.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a secure location before being transferred to a military medical facility for treatment and further assessment.
Military authorities said the victims received medical attention and were stabilised before undergoing debriefing sessions to provide useful intelligence that could assist ongoing operations.
Reunification Process Underway
The Army disclosed that arrangements are being made to reunite the rescued victims with their families after completing all necessary medical and administrative procedures.
Abdullahi noted that the successful operation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated military actions against terrorists and criminal groups operating in Kogi State.
He added that security forces remain committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements until all terrorist camps and safe havens within the area are dismantled.
Army Reaffirms Commitment to Security
The Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and dedication, which contributed to the success of the operation.
He described the rescue as another demonstration of the military’s determination to protect lives and property across the state.
Sidi also assured residents that troops would continue aggressive operations against terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal groups threatening peace and security in Kogi and surrounding communities.
The Brigade Commander further urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing military operations.