JUST IN: Troops rescue five kidnap victims in Kogi as terrorists flee military offensive

Crime Diary

LOKOJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued five kidnap victims abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Kogi State.

The rescue operation was carried out on June 17 as troops intensified efforts to consolidate recent gains recorded from coordinated ground and air offensives targeting terrorist hideouts in the state’s forested areas.

According to the Nigerian Army, the operation formed part of sustained military actions aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the Brigade’s area of responsibility and denying terrorists freedom of movement.

Troops deployed from the Forward Operating Base, Oshokoshoko, were conducting a blocking operation along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route in the Adankolo Forest when they intercepted the victims.

The deployment followed a recent air interdiction mission against a known terrorist enclave within the forest.

Military authorities said preliminary investigations revealed that the victims regained their freedom after terrorists abandoned them while fleeing from intense military pressure mounted on their camps.

The rescued victims were immediately secured and evacuated from the forest to a safe location.

They were later moved to a military medical facility where they received medical attention and were stabilised.

The Army said the victims were also debriefed to provide intelligence that could support ongoing operations aimed at locating and neutralising remaining terrorist elements in the area.

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

The Army noted that the successful rescue highlights the effectiveness of ongoing coordinated operations against terrorists and other criminal groups threatening security in Kogi State.

Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, resilience, and professionalism.

He described the rescue as a testament to the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property within its operational area.

Sidi reassured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities that troops would sustain aggressive operations against terrorists and criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored.

He also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing military operations.

The latest rescue comes amid intensified military offensives across several parts of the country aimed at disrupting terrorist activities, dismantling criminal hideouts, and securing vulnerable communities.