By Deborah Nnamdi
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued six kidnapped victims during coordinated operations in the Ejiba and Saminaka forests of Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lokoja, noting that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping across the region. He said the mission involved joint air and ground offensives, with crucial support from a Nigeria Police helicopter, which helped in locating and recovering the victims.
Abdullahi explained that the victims were abandoned by their captors following sustained military pressure. Five of them have since been reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities, while the sixth is receiving medical care.
The Brigade assured residents of continued military presence and increased operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements from the forests, identifying hideouts and denying bandits freedom of action.
The rescue comes barely days after bandits attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim church during Sunday service in Ejiba Community, abducting the pastor and several worshippers.
