— By Lagos Panorama News Desk
In a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry and kidnapping, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, have rescued 21 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.
The successful operation, carried out on October 17, 2025, involved troops of the 12 Brigade Lokoja and the 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin. The rescued victims comprise 14 males, 5 females, 1 infant, and 4 Chinese nationals who were reportedly abducted from various locations in both states.
According to Army authorities, the intensified military offensive forced 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, and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General C.R. Nnebeife, personally supervised the rescue efforts and ensured that the victims received immediate medical care and relief items.
Major General Nnebeife sympathized with the victims and reaffirmed the Army’s determination to sustain the ongoing offensive until all criminal elements are flushed out from the Division’s area of responsibility.
“There will be no hiding place for bandits and other criminals within our area of operations,” the GOC declared, while commending the resilience and professionalism of the troops.
The victims, many of whom were weak and unable to walk due to prolonged captivity, have been evacuated to a military medical facility and are responding well to treatment. They will be reunited with their families once they fully recover.
The GOC also appreciated the Nigerian Air Force for providing continuous aerial support throughout the operation, and commended other security agencies for their cooperation in addressing security challenges in the region.
He further directed the troops to maintain the current momentum in order to consolidate peace and stability across Kwara, Kogi, and other neighboring states under the 2 Division’s jurisdiction.
