Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, in coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
The rescue mission, which took place on Thursday, October 17, 2025, was confirmed in a statement released on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye.
According to the statement, personnel from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, under Operation FANSAN YAMA—a military offensive targeting bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region—jointly carried out the operation.
PHOTOS: Soldiers rescue four Chinese nationals, 17 others kidnap victims
The statement revealed that the victims, comprising 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were rescued after troops intensified assaults on criminal hideouts in both states. Some of the victims were said to have been held captive for over four months before their release.
He said, “In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.”
According to him, “The coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.”
He added that, “The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi states. Following the troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom had been with them for over four months.”
PHOTOS: Soldiers rescue four Chinese nationals, 17 others kidnap victims
Okoye said the rescued victims were immediately taken to a military medical facility for first aid and treatment. “Most of them were physically weak and could not walk unaided owing to extreme exhaustion. They are responding to treatment and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery,” he stated.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander, Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, who personally supervised the mission, provided relief materials and medical support to the victims.
While sympathising with them, Major General Nnebeife assured that the Nigerian Army would not relent in its efforts to rid the region of criminal elements. “We remain committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements. There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s area of responsibility,” he said.
The GOC commended the Nigerian Air Force for its air support and other security agencies for their collaboration. “We appreciate the cooperation of the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous air support throughout the operations. We also thank other security agencies for their synergy in addressing the myriad of security challenges in the state,” he added.
Nnebeife further praised the troops’ gallantry, urging them to sustain the momentum. “The troops have shown professionalism, courage, and resilience. I have directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states,” he said.
The army urged residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence to track down criminal groups still operating in remote areas.
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