Military Rescues Five Kidnap Victims Following Air-Ground Assault on Terrorist Camps in Kogi

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have rescued five kidnap victims abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Kogi State.

According to a statement signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the victims were rescued on June 17 during a military operation in the Adankolo Forest area of the state.

The statement said the operation was part of sustained offensive actions aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and criminal hideouts across the brigade’s area of responsibility.

Troops deployed from the Forward Operating Base in Oshokoshoko were conducting a blocking operation along the Oshokoshoko-Adankolo route following recent coordinated ground and air strikes on terrorist enclaves when they intercepted the victims.

Preliminary findings indicated that the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists abandoned them and fled in response to intensified military pressure on their camps.

The rescued victims were evacuated to a secure location and later taken to a military medical facility where they received treatment and were stabilised.

Military authorities said the victims were also debriefed to obtain intelligence that could support ongoing efforts to track and neutralise the remaining members of the criminal group operating in the area.

Efforts are ongoing to reunite the victims with their families after the completion of necessary medical and administrative procedures.

The Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance and professionalism, describing the rescue as evidence of the military’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring security in Kogi State.

He assured residents that troops would continue sustained operations against terrorists and other criminal elements while urging members of the public to provide timely information to security agencies.