Nigerian Army Rescues Five Kidnap Victims in Kogi

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued five kidnap victims during an ongoing anti-kidnapping operation in Kogi State, following a targeted clearance mission in Lokoja Local Government Area.

Military personnel drawn from the Obajana and Kabba patrol bases advanced into Ankomi village in the Adankolo axis after receiving actionable intelligence on the presence of kidnappers in the area. According to a reliable military source, the operation revealed that the settlement, which had previously served as a hideout for bandits, had been destroyed and abandoned before the troops’ arrival.

As the operation progressed, soldiers extended their search toward a nearby river line where three women and two children were intercepted. Initial questioning confirmed that the individuals were among those abducted during the Ayetoro Kiri kidnapping incident.

The troops also uncovered grim evidence of previous crimes in the area, discovering two decomposing bodies believed to be those of kidnapped victims. One of the corpses was recovered and evacuated, while efforts were ongoing to retrieve the remaining remains.

The rescued victims have been taken to Fisayo Hospital in Obajana, where they are receiving medical attention, while the recovered body of a deceased woman has been deposited at St. Joseph Mortuary in Kabba.

Military authorities confirmed that debriefing of the rescued victims is underway to aid ongoing efforts to locate and free other abductees. Although the security situation in the area is currently calm, it remains unpredictable, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance.

The source noted that the morale and operational effectiveness of the troops remain high, assuring that clearance and rescue operations will continue until all remaining victims are accounted for and the area is fully secured.