The Kogi State Government has hailed the rescue of five kidnapped victims by troops of the Nigerian Army, describing the operation as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing offensive against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers operating in parts of the state.
The victims were freed during coordinated air and ground operations targeting criminal hideouts in Kogi forests.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the government said the rescue is part of a series of successful operations in the Bunu axis of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where security forces have neutralized criminal elements, dismantled camps and secured the release of abducted persons.
He said preliminary accounts from the rescued victims indicated that the intense security operations created panic within the camps, forcing the kidnappers to disperse and leave their captives behind.
The state government commended troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu and the Commandant, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, as well as personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes and hunters for their commitment to ongoing security operations.
It also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the leadership of the nation’s security and intelligence agencies for their continued support in strengthening security efforts across the country.
The government noted that some of the rescued victims were abducted outside Kogi State, underscoring the state’s strategic role in efforts to disrupt criminal networks operating within the state boundaries.
The government statement added that recent measures introduced by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, including restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in vulnerable areas, closure of identified criminal routes and tighter regulation of sale of fuel have complemented ongoing military operations by disrupting the logistics and movement of criminal groups.
According to the government, the latest success reflects the impact of sustained investments in intelligence gathering, security infrastructure, logistics support and inter-agency collaboration.
Governor Ododo congratulates the rescued victims and their families on their freedom and directed the Kogi State Ministry of Health to provide comprehensive medical screening, treatment and psychosocial support to aid their recovery.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Austin Ojotule assured that the ministry would oversee the victims’ medical evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation until they are fit to reunite with their families.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to working with security agencies to eliminate criminal enclaves across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.
