Troops rescue five kidnap victims in Kogi as terrorists flee military offensive

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By Kingsley Omonobi

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ABUJA — Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division, have rescued five kidnapped victims abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Kogi State.

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The successful rescue followed intensified military operations aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and disrupting the activities of criminal networks operating within the state’s forested areas.

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In a statement on Wednesday, the spokesman for the 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, said the operation was part of sustained efforts to exploit recent successes recorded through coordinated ground and air offensives against terrorist camps.

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According to him, troops deployed from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oshokoshoko were conducting a blocking mission along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route within the Adankolo Forest when they intercepted the victims.

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“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,” Abdullahi said.

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He explained that the mission was launched following an air interdiction operation targeting a known terrorist hideout in the forest.

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During the operation, troops discovered five kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists as they fled intense military pressure on their camps.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists dispersed in the aftermath of the ongoing kinetic operations against their hideouts.

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The rescued victims were immediately secured and evacuated from the forest to a safe location for assessment and care.

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They were subsequently transferred to a military medical facility, where they received treatment and were stabilised.

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Abdullahi said the victims were also debriefed to provide intelligence that could support ongoing efforts to track and neutralise the remaining terrorists operating within the area.

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He added that arrangements were underway to reunite the victims with their families after completing the necessary medical and administrative procedures.

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The Army spokesman noted that the successful rescue underscores the effectiveness of the coordinated operations being carried out by troops of the 12 Brigade against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening peace and security in Kogi State.

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“It also demonstrates the military’s resolve to sustain pressure on criminal groups until all camps and safe havens within the area are dismantled,” he said.

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The Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, resilience and professionalism, which led to the successful rescue operation.

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He described the achievement as evidence of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property within its area of responsibility.

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Sidi also reassured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities that troops would continue aggressive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored.

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He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing military operations.

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