Soldiers rescue five kidnapped victims in Kogi, terrorists flee

Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have rescued five kidnapped victims in Kogi State after terrorists abandoned them while fleeing sustained military operations in the area. The victims were rescued on Wednesday during ongoing counter-terrorism operations under the 2 Division Nigerian Army, following intensified ground and air offensives targeting terrorist hideouts within forested areas of the state. This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi. According to the Army spokesperson, the operation formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny terrorists freedom of action within the brigade’s area of responsibility. The statement read, “Acting on operational directives and following the recent air interdiction mission conducted against a known terrorist hideout within the forest, troops deployed from Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko on a blocking mission along Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route within Adankolo Forest. “During the operation, vigilant troops intercepted five kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists while fleeing from the intense military pressure mounted on their camps. “Preliminary findings revealed that the victims had regained their freedom after the terrorists were forced to disperse in the aftermath of the ongoing kinetic operations targeting their hideouts.” The Army said the rescued persons were immediately evacuated to a safe location for medical attention and further assessment. “Subsequently, the rescued victims were moved to a military medical facility where they received medical attention and stabilisation. “The victims were also debriefed to obtain useful intelligence that could assist ongoing operations aimed at locating and neutralising the remaining terrorists still operating within the general area,” it stated. The statement added that efforts were underway to reunite the victims with their families after completion of medical and administrative procedures. The Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, commended the troops for their “vigilance, resilience, and professionalism.” He also urged residents to support ongoing military operations with credible intelligence, noting that public cooperation remains critical to defeating criminal elements in the state. Saheed Oyelakin Saheed is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over two years of experience covering metro, technology, sports, politics, and human-interest stories. He focuses on producing clear, engaging reports across div