Troops free five abductees in Kogi, militants escape

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Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have rescued five kidnapped victims in Kogi State after terrorists abandoned them while fleeing sustained military operations in the area.

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The victims were rescued on Wednesday during ongoing counter-terrorism operations under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, following intensified ground and air offensives targeting terrorist hideouts within forested areas of the state.

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This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi.

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According to the Army spokesperson, the operation formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists freedom of action within the brigade’s area of responsibility.

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The statement read, “Acting on operational directives and following the recent air interdiction mission conducted against a known terrorist hideout within the forest, troops deployed from Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko on a blocking mission along Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route within Adankolo Forest.

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“During the operation, vigilant troops intercepted five kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists while fleeing from the intense military pressure mounted on their camps.

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“Preliminary findings revealed that the victims had regained their freedom after the terrorists were forced to disperse in the aftermath of the ongoing kinetic operations targeting their hideouts.”

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The Army said the rescued persons were immediately evacuated to a safe location for medical attention and further assessment.

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“Subsequently, the rescued victims were moved to a military medical facility where they received medical attention and stabilisation.

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“The victims were also debriefed to obtain useful intelligence that could assist ongoing operations aimed at locating and neutralising the remaining terrorists still operating within the general area,” it stated.

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The statement added that efforts were underway to reunite the victims with their families after completion of medical and administrative procedures.

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The Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, commended the troops for their “vigilance, resilience, and professionalism.”

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He also urged residents to support ongoing military operations with credible intelligence, noting that public cooperation remains critical to defeating criminal elements in the state.

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