Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, operating under Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims during a coordinated night patrol in parts of Kogi and Kwara states.
The victims, made up of four men and five women, were intercepted at Essalu community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State on October 13, 2025, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye.
Okoye said the victims were abducted from their community, Matoku in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State, during a terrorist attack on September 24, 2025.
“During a night patrol along Egbe–Okuran in Kogi State and Okoloke through Patigi in Kwara State, troops intercepted nine kidnapped victims at Essalu community in Yagba West. Among the rescued victims were four males and five females who had been in captivity for over two weeks,” the statement read.
He added that the successful rescue was the result of ongoing clearance operations in the region, particularly around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, and Etsuyum, as troops intensify efforts to dismantle terrorist hideouts and criminal networks.
According to Okoye, the victims narrated that their abductors became increasingly apprehensive due to the Army’s sustained operations in the area, forcing them to abandon the captives and flee.
The rescued persons were identified as Mr. Abdullahi Umar (35), Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa (55), Mr. Labaran Abubakar (45), and Mr. Umar Yanda (30). Others include Mrs. Hassana Muhammad (25), Mrs. Maryam Muhammad (27), Mrs. Aisha Idris (20), and Miss Zainab Ahmed (12).
They were immediately given first aid and food before being officially handed over to Patigi Local Government authorities for reunion with their families.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander, Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, commended the troops for their professionalism and commitment to duty during a visit to Lata, Patigi Local Government Area.
“I commend the synergy between troops of 12 and 22 Brigades. Their dedication and collaboration have been crucial in achieving operational efficiency and protecting our people,” the GOC said.
The Army urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security forces to aid the fight against insurgency and other criminal activities.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens and will sustain its operations until peace and normalcy are fully restored,” Okoye added.
