By Muslimat Itopa
The Kogi State Government has described the successful rescue of five kidnapped victims by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the state.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, explained that the rescue was achieved during sustained military operations across forested areas of Kogi State, where security agencies have intensified coordinated air and ground offensives against criminal hideouts.
According to the statement, the latest success is a direct result of the relentless pressure being mounted on terrorist camps and criminal enclaves, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their captives while fleeing advancing security forces.
The government noted that the operation builds on recent achievements recorded in Bunu District of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where coordinated security operations led to the neutralization of several criminal elements, the rescue of kidnapped victims and the destruction of terrorist camps.
It explained that since the successful operations around Iluke Bunu and neighbouring communities, security agencies have continued to intensify their offensive, resulting in the rescue of additional victims and the elimination of more criminals hiding within the forests.
Preliminary accounts from the rescued victims revealed that the kidnappers abandoned them due to the overwhelming military pressure generated by coordinated air and ground assaults on their camps.
The victims reportedly disclosed that the sustained offensive created panic among members of the criminal groups, forcing them to disperse and flee for safety while leaving their captives behind.
The Kogi State Government said the development further validates the effectiveness of the security strategy being implemented across the state and demonstrates the determination of security agencies to flush out criminal elements from every part of Kogi.
The government commended the troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their courage, professionalism and commitment in the fight against insecurity.
It specifically praised the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilante groups and hunters for their continued collaboration in ensuring the safety of lives and property.
The government also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the necessary support to security agencies across the country, while acknowledging the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the leadership of the nation’s security and intelligence agencies.
According to the statement, some of the rescued victims were abducted from states outside Kogi, a development which underscores the state’s strategic importance in Nigeria’s security architecture.
The government noted that Kogi’s geographical position as a gateway linking the northern and southern parts of the country makes it critical to efforts aimed at preventing the movement and expansion of terrorist networks across state boundaries.
It stated that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has continued to strengthen security operations by providing logistics support, intelligence resources and other operational assistance to security agencies.
The statement highlighted several proactive measures introduced by the governor, including restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in vulnerable areas of Bunu, closure of routes frequently used by criminal elements, regulation of fuel sales in high-risk communities and the reorganization of the state’s security architecture.
According to the government, these measures have disrupted the logistics networks of terrorists and bandits, restricted their movement and weakened their operational capacity within affected areas.
Governor Ododo said his administration remains committed to ensuring that no part of Kogi State serves as a safe haven, operational base or transit route for criminal elements seeking to threaten neighbouring communities and states.
The government further described the rescue operation as evidence of the positive impact of investments made in intelligence gathering, community-based security initiatives, security infrastructure and inter-agency collaboration.
Governor Ododo congratulated the rescued victims and their families on their freedom and prayed for their speedy recovery from the physical and emotional trauma associated with captivity.
As part of efforts to support their rehabilitation, the governor directed the Kogi State Ministry of Health to provide comprehensive medical examinations, treatment and psychosocial support for the victims.
Speaking while receiving the rescued victims on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Austin Ojotule assured that the ministry would take full responsibility for their medical evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation.
He said all the rescued persons would receive adequate healthcare and emotional support until they are certified medically fit and psychologically stable for reunification with their families.
The Commissioner also commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their relentless efforts, noting that the successful rescue operation reflects the effectiveness of the current security framework in the state.
The Kogi State Government called on residents to continue in supporting security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the ongoing offensive against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements, expressing confidence that lasting peace and security will be achieved through continued collaboration between government, security agencies and citizens.
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