Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, have rescued five kidnap victims who were abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Kogi State.
The rescue operation took place on June 17, 2026, as troops intensified efforts to consolidate recent successes recorded through coordinated ground and air offensives against terrorist hideouts in the state’s forested areas.
According to the Army, the operation formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks led by notorious terrorist kingpins and deny them freedom of action within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
Acting on operational directives following a recent air interdiction mission against a known terrorist enclave, troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oshokoshoko were deployed on a blocking mission along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route within the Adankolo Forest.
During the operation, the troops intercepted five kidnap victims who had been abandoned by their captors while the terrorists fled intense military pressure on their camps.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists dispersed in response to ongoing military operations targeting their hideouts.
The rescued victims were immediately secured and evacuated to a safe location before being transferred to a military medical facility, where they received treatment and stabilisation.
Military authorities said the victims were also debriefed to obtain intelligence that could support ongoing efforts to track down and neutralise remaining terrorists operating within the area. Arrangements have also been initiated to reunite the victims with their families after the completion of necessary medical and administrative procedures.
The Nigerian Army said the successful rescue underscores the effectiveness of ongoing coordinated operations against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening peace and security in Kogi State.
Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, resilience and professionalism, describing the rescue as evidence of the brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He reassured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities that military operations against terrorists and criminal groups would continue until lasting peace and security are restored. #Securitynewsalert.com
