By Correspondent.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, operating under Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMA, have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, during coordinated clearance operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
This is contained in a statement issued on Friday by Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Nigerian Army.
Okoye said the operation, carried out on October 17 by troops of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, formed part of sustained military efforts to eliminate banditry and other forms of criminality within the Division’s Area of Responsibility.
According to him, the rescued victims comprised 14 males, five females, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, all abducted from different locations across the two states.
The Army spokesman said the victims were released by their captors, following intensified and continuous offensive operations by the troops. Some of the hostages, he added, had been in captivity for over four months.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, who also doubles as Commander, Sector 3, personally coordinated the operation and the subsequent evacuation of the rescued victims.
Okoye noted that the combined ground and aerial offensive forced the bandits to abandon their captives.
“The GOC ensured the victims were provided with immediate medical attention and relief items to aid their recovery from the trauma and torture suffered in captivity,” he said.
Many of the freed victims were reportedly physically weak and unable to walk due to prolonged starvation and exhaustion. They have since been evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment and are said to be responding positively to care, according to the statement m
General Nnebeife sympathized with the victims and reassured the public of the Army’s unwavering commitment to wipe out criminal elements threatening peace and security in the region.
“There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility,” he declared.
The GOC commended the Nigerian Air Force for sustained air support and other security agencies for their collaboration, directing troops to maintain the current operational tempo to restore lasting peace across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
