Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division, operating under Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued nine kidnapped victims during intensified clearance operations across Kogi and Kwara States.
According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the rescue occurred on Sunday night, October 13, 2025, during a patrol along Egbe–Okuran in Kogi State and Okoloke–Patigi in Kwara State. The victims were intercepted at Essalu community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescued victims — four males and five females — were identified as residents of Matoku community in Patigi LGA, Kwara State, who had been abducted by terrorists on September 24, 2025. The victims disclosed that armed bandits attacked their village about three weeks ago, abducting several people and rustling an unconfirmed number of cattle.
Troops’ sustained clearance operations around Esanlu, Patigi, Babasango, Etsuyum, and adjoining communities reportedly forced the kidnappers to abandon the hostages and flee.
The rescued individuals were identified as 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). They were given first aid and food before being handed over to Patigi Local Government officials to facilitate their reunion with their families.
During a visit to the rescued victims, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, commended troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the pressure on criminal elements. He also visited Lata in Patigi LGA, where he lauded the cooperation between troops of 12 and 22 Brigades for their operational synergy.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its appeal to the public to continue providing credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and safeguard lives and property across the country.
