Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued six kidnapped victims from bandits in the Ejiba and Saminaka forests in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, in Lokoja.
Abdullahi said the operation was part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping across the region.
He explained that the rescue followed coordinated air and ground offensives, supported by a Nigeria Police helicopter, which forced the bandits to abandon the victims.
According to him, five of the rescued victims have been reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities, while the sixth is receiving medical attention.
The Brigade assured residents of Kogi State of the Army’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.
“Troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests, identify hideouts, and deny criminals the freedom of action,” Abdullahi added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that bandits had on Sunday attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim Church during service in Ejiba Community, kidnapping the pastor and several worshippers.