Olu Samuel
Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army have rescue six kidnapped victims within the Ejiba and Saminaka Forest axis spanning Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
According to the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the rescue operation was part of the ongoing onslaught against banditry and kidnapping across Kogi State.
“Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have recorded another operational success with the rescue of six kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue mission conducted within the Ejiba and Saminaka Forest axis spanning Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas.
“The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal activities and enhance security across the region,” Lt. Abdullahi stated.
He added that the operation, which followed intensified air and ground offensives by troops and supported by the Nigeria Police helicopter yielded positive results when troops deployed at Patrol Base Ejiba in Yagba West intercepted the kidnap victims.
“The rescued persons were found in a stable condition and confirmed to have been released by the bandits owing to the sustained pressure mounted by troops during the joint operations.
He added that while five of the rescued individuals have since undergone debriefing and were reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities of Yagba West Local Government Area, the sixth victim was currently receiving medical attention due to his condition at the point of rescue.
The Brigade reassured the general public and the people of the State of Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Abdullahi stressed that troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests and identified hideouts, and deny criminals the freedom of action.
The 12 brigade of Nigerian army, Lokoja has consistently participated in several rescue operations in Kogi state in recent times.
Some success stories recorded recently include the recent rescue of 20 out of the 30 INEC staff travelling for the continuous voters registration exercise.
Also on the 2nd November,Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered the ransom money meant for their release.