Twenty-one kidnap victims were rescued in coordinated operations by 12 Brigade and 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Kwara and Kogi States.

The victims, comprising 14 males, five females, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were rescued during the operations conducted on October 17.

The spokesman of 2 Division, Lt.-Col. Polycarp Okoye, stated in a statement on Saturday that the victims were freed by their abductors from different locations across the states, following the troops’ intensified offensive.

He said some of the victims had been in captivity for over four months.

According to Okoye, after their release, the victims were provided with necessary first aid and other relief items to assist them in recovering from the trauma they had endured at the hands of their abductors.

He said: “The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility for medical attention.

“Most of them who were physically weak and could not walk unaided, owing to extreme exhaustion, are responding to treatment, and will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.”

Okoye said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division and Commander Sector 3 Operation FANSAN YAMA, Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, who has been coordinating the operations, expressed sympathy for the victims and reassured residents that the Division remains committed to sustaining the ongoing onslaught against all criminal elements.

“The GOC appreciated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for its continuous air support throughout the operations. He also thanked other security agencies for the synergy in tackling the myriad of security challenges in the State.

“He commended the efforts of the troops and directed the Brigades to maintain the tempo of the operations towards restoring peace and security across Kwara, Kogi, and adjoining states within 2 Division area of responsibility,” Okoye said.