The Nigerian Army has continued to record successes in its operations in Kwara and Kogi states, neutralizing bandits.
The troops under 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a military onslaught against bandits/terrorists in the North West and part of North Central, rescued nine kidnap victims.
The victims were intercepted during a night patrol on Monday, along the Egbe-Okura road in Kogi State and the Okoloke-Patigi route in Kwara State, specifically in the Essalu community of Yagba West Local Government Area.
Spokesman of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, said the rescued victims, comprising four males, and five females, were kidnapped from their community, Matoku, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on September 24.
He said the feat was due to continue extensive clearance operations by troops of 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities of Kogi and Kwara States.
Okoye said: “On interrogation, the victims revealed that about 3 weeks ago, terrorists raided their village, Matoku, in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, and kidnapped several persons. It was also disclosed that the criminals rustled an unconfirmed number of cattle.
Read Also: No cause for alarm, HIV care uninterrupted — IHVN tells Nigerians
“The victims further narrated that the bandits who took them suddenly became apprehensive, resulting from their own troops’ sustained operations in the area. Consequently, they (terrorists) were compelled by circumstances to abandon them and flee.”
He revealed the names of rescued victims as: Abdullahi Umar, 35, Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa, 55, Labaran Abubakar, 45, and Umar Yanda, 30.
Others are: Mrs Hassana Muhammad, 25, Mrs Maryam Muhammad, 27, Mrs Aisha Idris, 20, and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, 12.
Okoye said that the rescued victims were administered first aid treatments and provided with food, after which the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division NA/Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, addressed the victims before they were handed to Patigi Local Government to reunite them with their families.
“The GOC, further proceeded to Lata, in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State where he applauded troops of both 12 and 22 Brigades for their continued synergy and collaboration towards achieving operational efficiency,” Okoye said.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to rid the region of bandits and terrorists, and urged the public to provide troops with credible information to aid in combating insecurity and securing lives and property.