Troops Rescue 11 Kidnapped Victims in Coordinated Operations Across North-West, North-Central

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 11 kidnapped victims and recovered arms and other items during coordinated operations across the North-West and North-Central regions of the country.

A credible source at Army Headquarters disclosed on Wednesday that the successes were recorded under Operations Fansan Yamma, MESA, Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke. According to the source, troops operating under Operation Fansan Yamma rescued two truck drivers who were abducted along the Magami–Gusau road in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The kidnappers were forced to abandon the victims while fleeing through multiple routes during a sustained pursuit by the troops.

In a related operation in Sokoto State, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle abandoned on farmland at Garin Hilo village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence provided by local residents.

Under Operation MESA, troops working in collaboration with vigilante groups rescued nine kidnapped victims in Kogi and Kwara states. Three farmers abducted at Ojiwo Egume community in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State were freed, and a motorcycle was recovered during the operation. In Kwara State, six villagers kidnapped at Ikosin village in Ifelodun Local Government Area were rescued after a hot pursuit that forced the kidnappers to flee, abandoning two motorcycles.

The source added that efforts are ongoing to rescue four other victims abducted at Owa Onire in Ifelodun Local Government Area during a road construction project. It was also disclosed that military operations have been intensified in Taraba State and other troubled areas to restore peace and maintain order nationwide.