Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued six kidnapped victims from bandits in the Ejiba and Saminaka forests in Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation was confirmed in a statement on Tuesday by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, in Lokoja. He said the mission was part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping in the region.
Lt. Abdullahi explained that coordinated air and ground offensives, supported by a Nigeria Police helicopter, enabled the troops to intercept the victims. The victims were reportedly abandoned by the bandits due to sustained military pressure.
“Five of the rescued individuals have been reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities, while the sixth is receiving medical attention,” he said.
The Brigade reassured the public that it remains committed to protecting lives and property across Kogi State. “Troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests, identify hideouts, and deny criminals freedom of action,” Abdullahi added.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that bandits had on Sunday attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim church in Ejiba during service, kidnapping the pastor and several worshippers.
NAN
