Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade under the 2 Division have rescued five kidnap victims who were left behind by fleeing terrorists during ongoing security operations in Kogi State.
The victims were recovered as troops intensified efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts and weaken criminal networks operating in forested parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, said the rescue was achieved during follow-up operations designed to build on recent gains recorded through coordinated land and air offensives against terrorist camps.
According to Abdullahi, soldiers from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oshokoshoko were carrying out a blocking operation along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo corridor inside the Adankolo Forest when they encountered the victims.
He explained that the deployment was part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting the activities of notorious terrorist leaders and restricting their movement within the Brigade’s operational area.
“The operation formed part of sustained offensive actions aimed at dismantling the criminal networks of notorious terrorist kingpins and denying them freedom of action within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility,” he stated.
The military spokesperson revealed that the operation followed an earlier air strike on a known terrorist enclave within the forest.
As troops advanced through the area, they discovered five kidnapped persons who had been abandoned by their captors while attempting to escape mounting military pressure.
Initial findings indicated that the victims were able to regain their freedom after the terrorists scattered in response to the ongoing military assaults on their camps and hideouts.
Following the rescue, the victims were secured and evacuated from the forest to a safe location before being taken to a military medical facility for treatment and evaluation.
Abdullahi said the rescued individuals received medical attention and were stabilised before undergoing debriefing sessions.
Information gathered from the victims is expected to support ongoing efforts by security forces to locate and neutralise the remaining members of the terrorist group operating in the area.
He added that arrangements are being made to reunite the victims with their families after all medical and administrative procedures have been completed.
The Army noted that the successful rescue highlights the impact of the coordinated military operations currently being conducted against terrorists and other criminal groups in Kogi State.
According to the statement, the achievement further demonstrates the military’s determination to sustain pressure on criminal elements and eliminate their operational bases within the region.
The Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised the troops for their dedication, alertness and professionalism throughout the operation.
He described the rescue as a reflection of the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across its area of responsibility.
Sidi reassured residents that the military would continue aggressive operations against terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements until peace and security are fully restored.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community support remains essential to the success of ongoing security operations.
