Troops rescue kidnap victims abandoned by fleeing terrorists in Kogi

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops of 12 Brigade, 2 Division Nigerian Army, have intercepted and rescued five kidnapped victims who were abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter‑terrorism operations in Adankolo Forest, the brigade said on Wednesday.

The rescue according to statement obtained from Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, occurred on Tuesday June 17, 2026 as soldiers intensified efforts to exploit gains from recent coordinated ground and air strikes against terrorist enclaves in the state’s forested areas.

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

Acting on operational directives and following an air interdiction mission against a known hideout, troops deployed from Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko on a blocking mission along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route.

During the operation, vigilant troops intercepted five victims who “had been abandoned by the terrorists while fleeing from the intense military pressure mounted on their camps.”

Preliminary findings indicate the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists were forced to disperse in the aftermath of the kinetic operations.

The rescued persons were immediately secured, evacuated from the forest to a safe location, and later taken to a military medical facility where they received treatment and stabilisation.

The victims were also debriefed to gather intelligence to assist ongoing efforts to locate and neutralise remaining terrorists in the area.

The statement noted that arrangements have been initiated to reunite the victims with their families after completion of the necessary administrative and medical procedures.

Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, Commander of 12 Brigade, commended the troops for their “vigilance, resilience and professionalism,” calling the outcome “a testament to the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property within its Area of Responsibility.”

He reassured residents that troops will “continue to sustain aggressive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements until lasting peace and security are fully restored,” and urged the public to keep providing timely and credible information to security agencies.