In a major breakthrough in the ongoing war against banditry and kidnapping, troops of the 2 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims from criminal enclaves in Kwara and Kogi States.
This was contained in a press statement posted on Official social media pages of Nigerian Army signed by POLYCARP OKOYE, Lieutenant Colonel, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Nigerian Army and obtained by Just Event Online TV on Saturday morning
The rescue operation, carried out on 17 October 2025, followed coordinated offensives by troops of the 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin. The victims comprised 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals, who were reportedly abducted from different locations across the two states.
According to the Army, the victims were freed after troops intensified their offensive operations, forcing the bandits to abandon their captives — some of whom had been in captivity for over four months.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander, Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, who has been overseeing the operations, ensured that the rescued victims were given first aid, food, and other relief materials to aid their recovery from the trauma and torture suffered in the hands of their abductors.
Major General Nnebeife commiserated with the victims and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to sustaining its onslaught against criminal elements.
“There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility. We will sustain the tempo until peace is fully restored,” he assured.
The victims, many of whom were reported to be physically weak and unable to walk unaided due to prolonged captivity, were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment. They are said to be responding positively to medical care and will be reunited with their families once fully recovered.
The GOC expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous aerial support during the operations, as well as to other security agencies for their synergy in combating insecurity across the region.
He further commended the gallant troops for their resilience and directed the 12 Brigade and 22 Armoured Brigade to maintain the operational momentum toward restoring lasting peace and stability in Kwara, Kogi, and other adjoining states within the 2 Division’s Area of Responsibility.
