Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued six kidnapped victims during a clearance operation in the Ejiba and Saminaka forests of Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Brigade spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, who confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday in Lokoja, said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping across the region.
He said coordinated air and ground offensives, supported by a Nigeria Police helicopter, forced the bandits to abandon the victims and flee their hideouts.
Abdullahi added that the sustained pressure from troops led to the successful recovery of the victims, who were later evacuated to safety.
Read Also: JUST IN: PDP insists on Osun guber primary today despite Adeleke’s exit
“Five of the rescued individuals have been reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities, while the sixth is receiving medical attention,” he said.
The Brigade reassured the public and the people of Kogi that the Army remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
“Troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests and identified hideouts, and deny criminals the freedom of action,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that bandits had on Sunday, attacked a Cherubim and Seraphin church during service in Ejiba Community, kidnapped the pastor and several worshipers.
(NAN)
