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Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 21 abducted persons, including four Chinese nationals, in a series of coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
In a statement released on Saturday, October 18, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, said the rescue operation was conducted on October 17, 2025, as part of Operation FANSAN YAMA—a military campaign aimed at eliminating banditry and kidnapping in the North Central region.
Okoye explained that troops from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin jointly carried out the successful mission.
The victims comprised 14 men, five women, an infant, and four Chinese nationals, some of whom had been held captive for over four months.
He stated that the rescue was a result of intensified military offensives against criminal hideouts across both states. As pressure mounted, the kidnappers abandoned their captives, who were later evacuated by the troops.
“The rescued victims were immediately taken to a military medical facility for emergency care,” Okoye said. “Most of them were extremely weak and unable to walk unaided due to exhaustion, but they are now responding to treatment and will be reunited with their families soon.”
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander of Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, personally supervised the mission and ensured the victims received medical attention and relief supplies.
During his address to the rescued victims, Major General Nnebeife reaffirmed the army’s determination to eradicate criminal activities in the region.
“We will sustain our offensive against bandits and kidnappers. There will be no hiding place for criminals in our area of operation,” he stated.
He commended the troops for their bravery, professionalism, and dedication, urging them to maintain the momentum of the ongoing operations.
Nnebeife also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous aerial support and to other security agencies for their collaboration in tackling insecurity.
The army called on residents of both states to remain vigilant and share credible intelligence to aid ongoing efforts to track down the remaining criminal elements operating in remote locations.
