Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 24 kidnapped victims in a major counter-banditry operation spanning Kwara and Kogi States. The rescue, which took place on October 17, 2025, was the result of coordinated offensives carried out by soldiers of the 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, operating under the 2 Division/Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMA.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the victims—comprising 14 males, five females, one infant, and four Chinese nationals—had been abducted from various locations in both states. Some of them were reportedly held in captivity for over four months before the troops’ intensified offensive forced the bandits to release them.
Okoye noted that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, personally coordinated the rescue operation and ensured the victims received first aid and other relief items. He said the rescued individuals, many of whom were too weak to walk unaided due to prolonged confinement and malnutrition, were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment and are responding well.
Major General Nnebeife expressed sympathy for the victims and reiterated the Army’s determination to sustain the offensive against criminal elements in the region. “There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility,” he declared, while commending the troops for their courage and professionalism.
He also lauded the Nigerian Air Force for providing consistent aerial support during the operations and extended appreciation to other security agencies for their synergy in tackling insecurity across the region.
The Army has vowed to maintain the current tempo of operations aimed at restoring peace and stability across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states under the 2 Division’s jurisdiction.