4 Chinese nationals, 17 other kidnapped victims rescued in Kwara, Kogi as army continues fight against bandits
In a determined effort to eradicate banditry and other criminal activities in Kwara and surrounding states, troops of the Nigerian Army from 2 Division/Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA successfully rescued 21 kidnapped victims on October 17, 2025.
A statement from Lt. Col. Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, announced that coordinated operations by the 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin led to the rescue of the victims, which included 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals.
According to Okoye, the victims reported being abducted from various locations across Kwara and Kogi States. He noted that the intensified military offensive compelled the bandits to release their captives, some of whom had been held for over four months.
“The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army (NA), and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, who has been coordinating the operations ensured they were provided with necessary first aid and other relief items to assist them recover from the torture they had gone through in the hands of their abductors.
“Major General Nnebeife, further sympathised with the victims, reassuring that the Division remains committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements. He stated that there will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR)”, Okoye stated.
He said the rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for medical attention, while most of them who were physically weak and could not walk unaided, owing to extreme exhaustion, are now responding to treatment, and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.
Accordingly, the GOC appreciated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continuous air support throughout the operations, and thanked other security agencies for the synergy in tackling the myriad of security challenges in the state.
Similarly, the Army GOC commended the efforts of the troops and directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states within the 2 Division’s area of operations.
