Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have rescued six kidnapped victims during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation in the Ejiba–Saminaka forest axis of Kogi State.
Confirming the report, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi said the operation, which covered areas in Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas, is part of intensified military efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping across the state. According to the Army, sustained ground and air offensives helped dislodge criminal elements operating within the forests.
Troops deployed at Patrol Base Ejiba intercepted the victims, who were said to have been released by their captors due to mounting pressure from ongoing joint operations involving the Army and the Nigeria Police, supported by a police helicopter.
Five of the rescued individuals have been debriefed and reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities in Yagba West. The sixth victim is receiving medical care due to his condition at the time of rescue.
The 12 Brigade reassured residents of Kogi State of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property. It added that troops would persist in dominating forested areas and identified criminal hideouts to deny bandits freedom of action.
