In a renewed offensive against banditry and kidnapping across Kwara and Kogi States, troops of 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals.
The operation, conducted on 17 October 2025 by troops of 12 Brigade Lokoja and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin, was part of sustained efforts to eliminate criminal elements in the region.
A statement by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, said the rescued victims comprised 14 males, five females, one infant, and four Chinese nationals abducted from various locations across the two states.
He disclosed that the victims, some of whom had been held for over four months, were freed after intensified military operations forced the bandits to flee.
The General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMA, Major General CR Nnebeife, coordinated the operations and ensured the provision of medical and humanitarian support to the rescued victims.
Nnebeife assured that troops would sustain the offensive to rid the area of all criminal elements, while appreciating the Nigerian Air Force for its air support and other security agencies for their synergy.
He also directed the participating brigades to maintain operational momentum towards restoring peace and security across the Division’s Area of Responsibility.