Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims from bandits operating within the Ejiba and Saminaka forests in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
This was announced on Tuesday in Lokoja through a statement issued by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, who confirmed that the operation is part of the Army’s intensified crackdown on banditry and kidnapping across the region.
According to Abdullahi, the rescue mission was executed through a coordinated land and aerial offensive, with crucial support from a Nigeria Police helicopter team. The sustained pressure from the combined forces reportedly forced the bandits to abandon the victims as troops closed in.
He added that five of the rescued victims have already been reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities, while the sixth victim is receiving medical treatment following the ordeal.
Reassuring residents, the Brigade pledged continued commitment to protecting lives and property across Kogi State.
“Troops will keep ramping up operations, dominating the forests, identifying hideouts, and denying criminals any freedom of action,” Abdullahi stated.
The incident comes just days after bandits attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim church in Ejiba during a Sunday service, kidnapping the pastor and several worshippers.