In a major breakthrough against insecurity in North-Central Nigeria, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division/Sector 3 under Operation FANSAN YAMA have successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
According to an official statement issued on 17 October 2025 by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 2 Division, the daring operation was carried out by troops from the 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin. The successful mission led to the release of 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals who had been held hostage by bandits.
The victims, who were abducted from various locations across the two states, disclosed that some of them had been in captivity for over four months before their release. The Army confirmed that the sustained offensive pressure mounted on the bandits forced them to abandon their captives.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, personally supervised the rescue operations and ensured that the freed victims received immediate medical care and relief materials.
Major General Nnebeife expressed deep sympathy for the victims, many of whom were found physically weak and unable to walk due to severe exhaustion and maltreatment. He assured that they are currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility and will be reunited with their families once they have fully recovered.
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Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to peace and security, Major General Nnebeife declared that there will be “no hiding place for bandits and other criminal elements” within the Division’s Area of Responsibility. He emphasized that the ongoing operations will be sustained until normalcy is fully restored in all affected communities.
The GOC also commended the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its crucial air support during the rescue operations and appreciated the synergy among security agencies working to address the security challenges in the region. He further directed all troops and brigade commanders to maintain the momentum of the offensive operations to ensure lasting peace in Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states.
The operation, which forms part of the broader military efforts under Operation FANSAN YAMA, highlights the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to combat kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of criminality threatening the safety of citizens in the North-Central zone.
