Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 21 individuals, among them four Chinese nationals, from kidnappers operating in Kwara and Kogi States.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday.
He described the mission as a coordinated and effort involving troops from the 2 Division Headquarters, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin.
He revealed the victims, comprising 14 men, five women, an infant, and four Chinese expatriates were abducted from different locations in both states.
“Through sustained military pressure, the criminals were forced to abandon their captives and flee the area,” Okoye explained.
He noted that some of those rescued victims had been in captivity for several months before troops closed in on the kidnappers’ hideouts.
All the victims, he said, have since been moved to a military medical facility where they are receiving treatment and evaluation.
Reiterating the army’s commitment to tackling insecurity, Okoye said the troops would continue to pursue criminal groups until peace is fully restored in the region.
“There will be no sanctuary for bandits and other lawless elements within our operational area,” he assured.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division commended the troops for their professionalism and bravery and expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for providing aerial surveillance and cover during the rescue mission.
