Two kidnap victims have been rescued by troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army in collaboration with local vigilantes in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, North-Central Nigeria.
A statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, explained that the terrorists had invaded a residence near Solid Rock School in Ijalu, Egbe, in the late hours of Wednesday and abducted five members of a family, including a woman and her infant.
Lieutenant Abdullahi also explained that upon receiving the distress report, troops under 2 Division Nigerian Army immediately mobilised alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, launching a hot pursuit along the withdrawal route of the terrorists.
According to Lieutenant Abdullahi, pressure mounted on the invading terrorists by the joint security team forced them to abandon one Mrs. Adekemi Idowu and her six-month-old child near the Oro axis, before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
The Brigade spokesperson confirmed that the rescued victims have been safely returned to their residence, while troops continue aggressive search-and-rescue operations in the general area to free the remaining three victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Lieutenant Abdullahi reiterated that the Nigerian Army remains resolutely committed to protecting lives and property in Kogi State, but appealed to members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
