Troops rescue five kidnapped victims in Kogi as terrorists flee the military offensive.

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — The 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division, rescued five individuals who had been kidnapped and abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter‑terrorism operations in Kogi State.

The rescue came after intensified military actions aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves and disrupting criminal networks within the state’s forested areas.

Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, spokesman for the 12 Brigade, said the operation was part of sustained efforts that had recently yielded successes through coordinated ground and air offensives against terrorist camps.

He explained that troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oshokoshoko were conducting a blocking mission along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route in the Adankolo Forest when they intercepted the victims.

“The operation formed part of sustained offensive actions aimed at dismantling the criminal networks of notorious terrorist kingpins and denying them freedom of action within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility,” Abdullahi said.

The mission was launched after an air interdiction operation targeted a known terrorist hideout in the forest. During the operation, soldiers discovered five kidnapped victims who had been left behind as the terrorists fled under intense military pressure.

Preliminary investigations indicate the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists dispersed following ongoing kinetic operations against their hideouts.

The rescued individuals were immediately secured and evacuated from the forest to a safe location for assessment and care. They were then transferred to a military medical facility, where they received treatment and were stabilised.

Abdullahi added that the victims were debriefed to provide intelligence that could support ongoing efforts to track and neutralise remaining terrorists in the area.

Arrangements are underway to reunite the victims with their families after completing the necessary medical and administrative procedures.

The Army spokesman noted that the successful rescue underscores the effectiveness of the coordinated operations carried out by the 12 Brigade against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening peace and security in Kogi State.

“It also demonstrates the military’s resolve to sustain pressure on criminal groups until all camps and safe havens within the area are dismantled,” he said.

Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, Commander of the 12 Brigade, praised the troops for their vigilance, resilience and professionalism, which led to the successful rescue operation.

He described the achievement as evidence of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property within its area of responsibility.

Sidi also reassured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities that troops would continue aggressive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored.

He urged the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing military operations.

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