By Deborah Nnamdi
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division and Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA have rescued 21 kidnapped victims during coordinated operations in Kwara and Kogi States.
Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Saturday.
Okoye said the rescue followed sustained military operations targeting bandits and other criminal elements terrorising parts of Kwara and neighbouring states.
According to him, troops of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, conducted the joint operation on Friday, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their captives. Some of the victims, he noted, had been held hostage for over four months.
“The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander, Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, ensured that the victims received first aid and other relief materials to aid their recovery from the trauma suffered in captivity,” Okoye said.
He added that the rescued victims, many of whom were weak and exhausted, were evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment and would be reunited with their families after full recovery.
Major General Nnebeife sympathised with the victims and reaffirmed the division’s commitment to eliminating all criminal elements within its operational area. He also appreciated the Nigerian Air Force for providing continuous air support and commended other security agencies for their collaboration.
The GOC further lauded the troops’ efforts and directed them to sustain the ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states.
