In another major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and banditry, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have successfully secured the release of nine kidnapped victims during a late-night patrol across parts of Kogi and Kwara States.
The rescue operation, conducted on 13th October 2025 along the Egbe-Okuran axis in Kogi State and the Okoloke-Patigi route in Kwara State, led to the interception of the victims at Essalu community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. The freed victims-four males and five females were identified as residents of Matoku community in Patigi LGA, Kwara State, who were abducted on 24th September 2025 when terrorists invaded their village.
According to the victims, their captors, believed to be armed bandits, fled the area after sustained clearance operations by the Nigerian Army intensified pressure in the forests around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, and Etsuyum, forcing the criminals to abandon their hostages.
The rescued individuals, including Mr. Abdullahi Umar (35), Mr. Alhaji Umaru Sarki Fawa (55), Mr. Labaran Abubakar (45), Mr. Umar Yanda (30), Mrs. Hassana Muhammad (25), Mrs. Maryam Muhammad (27), Mrs. Aisha Idris (20), and Miss Zainab Ahmed (12), were provided with medical care and meals before being officially handed over to the Patigi Local Government authorities to reunite with their families.
While addressing the victims, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander, Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and synergy in the joint operation that led to the successful rescue. He also visited Lata community in Patigi LGA to applaud the combined efforts of the 12 and 22 Brigades in maintaining operational momentum across the region.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens while urging the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations nationwide.