Troops have successfully rescued four kidnap victims, including a pregnant woman, in separate operations conducted in Kogi State and along the Kogi–Kwara border, as security forces intensify efforts to combat kidnapping in the North Central region. The operations, carried out by different military units, resulted in the liberation of the captives after they were held for varying durations by suspected abductors. The rescues occurred between July 7 and July 8, with military personnel acting swiftly to secure the victims and ensure their safe return to their families.
The first rescue took place at approximately 10:00pm on July 7, when troops from the 121 Battalion stationed at the Abocho Patrol Base intercepted a female victim along the Abocho–Ajegwuwa–Ohuwda Road in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. According to the victim, she was abducted on July 5 from her home in Ajiyolo Community within the same local government area. Her release came after military surveillance and patrol efforts led to the discovery of her whereabouts.
In another operation, troops from the 12 Brigade based at the Ogbagbo Block Position rescued a pregnant woman during a night patrol along the Jakura–Ogbagbo Road at around 3:45am on July 8. The woman revealed she had been kidnapped on June 28 near Obajana Community, along with three other individuals. She managed to escape after sustained military operations forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee into the bush.
A third rescue occurred on July 8 when soldiers stationed at the Isanlu Patrol Base intercepted two other victims during a patrol around Latta Community, located along the Kogi–Kwara boundary. The two victims disclosed they had been abducted while working on their farms in the Latta area of Patigi Local Government Area in Kwara State. They were taken to a kidnappers’ camp in the Chigogo Hills region of Kwara before managing to escape during military operations.
All four rescued victims received immediate medical and psychological care from military medical personnel and were subsequently reunited with their families. The military has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing anti-kidnapping operations across the North Central region, emphasizing the importance of coordinated patrols and intelligence gathering to dismantle criminal networks. Security analysts note that these rescues highlight the ongoing threat of kidnapping in the region but also demonstrate the effectiveness of military responses when intelligence and ground operations are well-aligned.
As security forces maintain their vigilance, communities in Kogi and Kwara States are being urged to remain alert and report suspicious activities to authorities. The successful rescues serve as a reminder of the persistent dangers faced by residents in the region, while also offering hope that concerted efforts can bring victims back to safety.
Leave a Comment