Troops Rescue 21 Kidnapped Victims In Kwara
In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighboring states, troops of 2 Division Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, on Friday successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.
The coordinated operation was jointly carried out by troops drawn from 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin.
The effort led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include; 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.
The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi states.
Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director
Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, said in a statement that some of the victims have been in the bandits’ custody for over four months.
“Followimg troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom have been with them for over 4 months,” he added.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander of Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, who has been coordinating the operations, ensured that the rescued victims received necessary support to aid their recovery from the torture they had gone through in the hands of their abductors.
Major General Nnebeife sympathised with them and assured that the Division remains committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements.
According to him, there will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for medical attention.
Most of them, who were physically weak and could not walk unaided owing to extreme exhaustion are however responding to treatment, and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.
The GOC appreciated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continuous air support throughout the operations, and other security agencies for the synergy in tackling the myriad of security challenges in the area.
He commended the troops for the successes being recorded and urged them to maintain the tempo of the operation towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states.
