By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued six kidnapped victims during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation conducted across the Ejiba and Saminaka forest corridors in Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas of Kogi State.The operation, according to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, is part of intensified efforts to eliminate banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the state. He said the mission benefited from sustained air and ground offensives, supported by the Nigeria Police helicopter.
Abdullahi explained that troops deployed at Patrol Base Ejiba intercepted the victims following increased pressure on the kidnappers’ hideouts.“The rescued persons were found in stable condition and confirmed to have been released by the bandits owing to the sustained pressure mounted by troops during the joint operations,” he stated.
Five of the victims have undergone debriefing and were reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities of Yagba West Local Government Area. The sixth victim, who was found in a weaker condition at the point of rescue, is currently receiving medical treatment.The Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security across Kogi State, assuring residents that troops will continue to intensify patrols, dominate forested areas, and deny criminals any freedom of action.
