Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, during coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, disclosed the rescue on Saturday, saying it was carried out on Thursday, October 17, 2025.
Okoye explained that the operation involved personnel from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, under the banner of Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military offensive targeting bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.
"In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.
"The coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.
"The victims revealed that they were abducted from different locations across Kwara and Kogi states. Following the troops’ intensified offensive, the bandits were forced to release their captives, some of whom had been with them for over four months," he said.
According to him, some of the captives had been held for more than four months before their release, adding that they were immediately taken to military medical facilities for treatment
Authorities said all victims are responding to treatment and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery, including those described as physically weak and unable to walk unaided due to extreme exhaustion.
Maj Gen C. R Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander of Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, personally supervised the operation and provided relief materials and medical support to the rescued victims.
He praised the troops for their professionalism and courage and assured that the army would continue its fight against criminality in the region.
"We remain committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements. There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s area of responsibility," he said.
Maj Gen Nnebeife also commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its aerial support and other security agencies for their collaborative efforts in tackling insecurity.
"We appreciate the cooperation of the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous air support throughout the operations. We also thank other security agencies for their synergy in addressing the myriad of security challenges in the state.
"The troops have shown professionalism, courage, and resilience. I have directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states," he said.
The army urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could help track remaining criminal elements in remote communities.
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