Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued six kidnapped victims from bandits operating in Ejiba and Saminaka forests, in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue operation was confirmed in a statement by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, on Tuesday in Lokoja.
Abdullahi said the operation formed part of the Army’s renewed push to stamp out banditry and kidnapping across the region.
He explained that the troops carried out a coordinated air and ground assault, supported by a Nigeria Police helicopter, which forced the criminals to abandon their captives.
According to him, investigations confirmed that “the victims were abandoned by the bandits due to the sustained pressure from the military.”
Abdullahi added that efforts to stabilise the rescued persons were immediately initiated.
“Five of the rescued individuals have been reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities, while the sixth is receiving medical attention,” he said.
Reassuring residents of Kogi State of the Army’s readiness to protect lives and property, the Brigade restated its commitment to rooting out criminal elements.
“Troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests, identify hideouts, and deny criminals the freedom of action,” Abdullahi said.
Naijaonpoint reports that the rescue came barely 48 hours after bandits attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, abducting the pastor and several worshippers during a Sunday service.
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