Emmanuel lkpeama.
The Kogi State Government has applauded the rescue of five kidnapped victims by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, describing the operation as another major breakthrough in the state’s ongoing battle against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the victims were rescued during sustained military operations in Kogi forests as security agencies intensified coordinated air and ground offensives against criminal hideouts.
According to the government, the successful rescue was a direct result of relentless pressure on terrorist camps across the state, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives while fleeing from advancing troops.
The statement noted that the operation builds on recent successes recorded in Bunu District of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where coordinated security operations led to the neutralisation of terrorists, destruction of criminal camps and rescue of kidnapped victims.
Preliminary accounts from the rescued victims revealed that the kidnappers abandoned them and fled due to overwhelming military pressure generated by ongoing air and ground assaults on their hideouts.
The government commended the troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilante groups and hunters for their professionalism, courage and commitment in the fight against insecurity.
It also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security agencies in confronting emerging security threats across the country.
Investigator news reports that special recognition was given to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the leadership of the nation’s security and intelligence agencies for their contributions to restoring peace and security.
The government highlighted that some of the rescued victims were abducted outside Kogi State, underscoring Kogi’s strategic importance as a gateway linking northern and southern Nigeria and its critical role in preventing the spread of criminal activities across state boundaries.
It further stated that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration has continued to strengthen security operations through logistics support, intelligence gathering and strategic policies aimed at disrupting criminal networks.
Among the measures cited were restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in vulnerable areas, closure of routes frequently used by criminals, regulation of fuel sales and the reorganisation of the state’s security architecture.
According to the government, these initiatives have weakened the operational capacity of terrorists and bandits by disrupting their supply chains and restricting their movement within affected areas.
Governor Ododo congratulated the rescued victims and their families, assuring residents that his administration would continue working closely with security agencies until all criminal enclaves are dismantled and every part of the state is secured.
The governor also directed the Kogi State Ministry of Health to provide comprehensive medical examinations, treatment and psychological support for the rescued victims to aid their recovery and reintegration.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Austin Ojotule assured that the ministry would take full responsibility for the victims’ medical evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation until they are fit to reunite with their families.
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance security across the state.