Military pressure forces terrorists to abandon five kidnap victims in Kogi

Five kidnapped victims have regained their freedom in Kogi State after terrorists abandoned them and fled in the face of sustained military operations by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

The rescue was carried out on Wednesday during ongoing counter-terrorism operations under the 2 Division, Nigerian Army, following intensified ground and air offensives against terrorist hideouts in forested areas of the state.

In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the military said the operation was part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists freedom of movement within the brigade’s operational area.

According to the statement, troops from the Forward Operating Base, Oshokoshoko, were deployed on a blocking mission along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route in Adankolo Forest after a recent air interdiction mission targeted a known terrorist camp.

During the operation, the troops intercepted five kidnapped victims who had been left behind by their captors as they escaped mounting military pressure.

“Preliminary findings revealed that the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists were forced to disperse following the ongoing kinetic operations targeting their hideouts,” the statement noted.

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The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a secure location and later transferred to a military medical facility, where they received medical attention and were stabilised.

The Army also disclosed that the victims were debriefed to obtain intelligence that could support ongoing efforts to track down and neutralise the remaining terrorists operating in the area.

Military authorities said arrangements are being made to reunite the victims with their families upon the completion of necessary medical and administrative procedures.

Commending the troops for their courage and professionalism, the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, praised their vigilance and resilience during the operation.

He also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.