Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully freed 24 kidnapped victims during a coordinated counter-banditry operation spanning Kwara and Kogi States.
In a statement released on Friday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 2 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, said the operation was carried out by troops from the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin.
The rescued individuals comprise 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals who had been abducted from various locations across the two states. Some of the victims, Okoye noted, had been in captivity for more than four months before the intensified military offensive compelled the kidnappers to release them.
“In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, on 17 October 2025, troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims,” the statement read.
He added, “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. 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, some of whom have been with them for over four months.”
Major General C.R. Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander of Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, supervised the operation and ensured that the freed victims were provided with medical care, first aid, and relief materials to aid their recovery.
Nnebeife sympathized with the victims, assuring them that the army would sustain its ongoing offensive against criminal groups. “There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility,” he said.
The victims were evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment. Many, who were physically weak due to prolonged captivity, are said to be responding well to medical care and will reunite with their families once fully recovered.
The GOC expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its continued air support throughout the operation and acknowledged the collaboration of other security agencies in tackling the region’s security challenges. He also commended the troops for their dedication and directed them to maintain the momentum to ensure lasting peace and safety across Kwara, Kogi, and neighboring areas under the 2 Division’s jurisdiction.
What You Should Know
The Nigerian Army’s rescue of 24 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, underscores the growing success of Operation FANSAN YAMA in tackling banditry and kidnapping in North-Central Nigeria.
The operation’s effectiveness lies in strong inter-agency collaboration and sustained offensives coordinated by Major General C.R. Nnebeife.
