Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, have rescued five kidnapped victims who were abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Kogi State.
The rescue operation was carried out on June 17 as security forces intensified efforts to consolidate recent gains recorded from coordinated ground and air offensives against terrorist hideouts in the state’s forested areas.
According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 12 Brigade Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, the operation formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks linked to notorious terrorist kingpins.
The military said troops deployed from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oshokoshoko were conducting a blocking operation along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route within the Adankolo Forest following a recent air interdiction mission against a known terrorist enclave in the area.
During the operation, troops intercepted five kidnapped victims who had reportedly been abandoned by their captors while fleeing intense military pressure on their camps.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists dispersed in the wake of ongoing military operations targeting their hideouts.
The rescued individuals were immediately secured and evacuated from the forest to a safe location for further assessment and care.
The military disclosed that the victims were subsequently transferred to a military medical facility, where they received treatment and were stabilised.
They were also debriefed by security personnel to provide intelligence that could assist ongoing efforts to locate and neutralise other terrorist elements still operating within the area.
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Authorities said arrangements are underway to reunite the victims with their families after the completion of necessary medical and administrative procedures.
The Nigerian Army described the rescue as further evidence of the effectiveness of ongoing coordinated operations against terrorists and other criminal groups threatening peace and security in Kogi State.
Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, resilience and professionalism, noting that their actions contributed directly to the successful rescue of the victims.
He said the operation underscored the brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property across its area of responsibility.
The brigade commander also reassured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities that troops would continue aggressive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored.
He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing military operations.
