Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully freed 21 abducted individuals, including four Chinese nationals, following coordinated missions across Kwara and Kogi States.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, confirmed that the bold rescue operation took place on Thursday, October 17, 2025.
He explained that the mission involved officers from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and the 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, a military initiative designed to eliminate bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.
According to the army, the rescued victims included 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals. They were freed after troops intensified their assault on criminal enclaves in both states. Some hostages were reported to have been held captive for over four months.
The statement added that the successful rescue was a direct outcome of the army’s reinforced strategy to tackle insecurity in the region.
He said, “In a sustained effort to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements operating in Kwara and neighbouring states, troops of 2 Division and Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims.”
He further stated, “The coordinated operations by troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, led to the rescue of the kidnapped persons who include 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.”
The victims disclosed that they were taken from multiple locations across Kwara and Kogi States. As troops increased pressure on the criminals, the kidnappers were compelled to abandon their captives, some of whom had been held for more than four months.
Okoye said the freed individuals were immediately transported to a military medical facility for emergency care and thorough treatment.
He added, “Most of them were physically weak and could not walk unaided owing to extreme exhaustion. They are responding to treatment and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.”
Major General C. R. Nnebeife, the General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander, Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, personally oversaw the mission and ensured the victims received relief supplies and medical assistance.
While addressing the victims, Major General Nnebeife reaffirmed the army’s determination to completely eradicate criminal activities in the region.
He said, “We remain committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements. There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s area of responsibility.”
He also appreciated the Nigerian Air Force for its consistent air support and acknowledged other security agencies for their cooperation in the joint efforts to curb insecurity.
“We appreciate the cooperation of the Nigerian Air Force for its continuous air support throughout the operations,” he said. “We also thank other security agencies for their synergy in addressing the myriad of security challenges in the state.”
Major General Nnebeife commended the troops for their bravery and urged them to maintain the pace of the operations.
He added, “The troops have shown professionalism, courage, and resilience. I have directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states.”
The army called on residents to remain alert and work closely with security forces by sharing useful intelligence that could help track down remaining criminal elements hiding in remote areas.