Troops of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, under Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims during a night patrol across parts of Kogi and Kwara States, as the Army sustains its ongoing clearance operations against terrorists and bandits in the region.
In a statement Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division Nigerian Army Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye said the victims — four men and five women — were rescued on October 13, 2025, at Essalu community in Yagba West Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State. They were identified as residents of Matoku community in Patigi LGA of Kwara State, where terrorists had abducted them during a raid on September 24, 2025.
According to Army sources, the rescue followed intensive clearance and patrol operations conducted by troops along Egbe–Okuran in Kogi State and Okoloke–Patigi in Kwara State, covering several communities including Esanlu, Babasango, and Etsuyum.
During interrogation, the victims revealed that their captors fled after coming under pressure from the Army’s sustained operations in the area, abandoning them in the forest.
Those rescued include Mr. Abdullahi Umar (35), Mr. Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa (55), Mr. Labaran Abubakar (45), Mr. Umar Yanda (30), Mrs. Hassana Muhammad (25), Mrs. Maryam Muhammad (27), Mrs. Aisha Idris (20), and Miss Zainab Ahmed (12).
The victims were immediately provided with medical attention, food, and temporary shelter before being formally handed over to Patigi LGA authorities to facilitate their reunion with families.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander, Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, commended troops of the 12 and 22 Brigades for their effective coordination and operational synergy, during a visit to Lata community in Patigi.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to sustaining its offensive against criminal elements and restoring peace in the North Central region.
The Nigerian Army also appealed to residents to continue providing credible information that can aid ongoing operations to protect lives and property.
