Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, during coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, said the daring rescue, was carried out on Thursday, October 17, 2025.
According to him the rescue operation involved personnel from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military offensive aimed at flushing out bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.
The army said the victims, who included 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were freed after troops intensified attacks on criminal hideouts in both states. Some of the captives were said to have been held for more than four months before their release.
It added that the successful rescue was a result of the army’s renewed strategy to combat insecurity in the region.
He said, “In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.”
According to him, “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 had been with them for over four months.”
Okoye said the rescued victims were immediately taken to a military medical facility for first aid and comprehensive treatment.
“Most of them were physically weak and could not walk unaided owing to extreme exhaustion. They are responding to treatment and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery,” he added.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander, Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, who personally supervised the operation, was said to have provided relief materials and medical support to the victims.
While sympathising with the victims, Major General Nnebeife assured that the army would not relent in its fight against criminality in the region.
He said, “We remain committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements. There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s area of responsibility.”
The GOC also praised the Nigerian Air Force for its consistent aerial support and commended other security agencies for their synergy in tackling insecurity in the region.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous air support throughout the operations,” he said. “We also thank other security agencies for their synergy in addressing the myriad of security challenges in the state.”
Nnebeife further applauded the gallantry of the troops, urging them to sustain the momentum.
“The troops have shown professionalism, courage, and resilience. I have directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states,” he added.
The army, however, urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could help track criminal elements still operating in remote communities.
