By Rotimi Odofin
The Kogi State Government has welcomed the successful rescue of five kidnapped victims by troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, describing the development as another significant breakthrough in the ongoing offensive against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements operating in parts of the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government said the victims were rescued during sustained military operations in forested areas of the state as security forces intensified coordinated air and ground assaults on criminal hideouts.
According to the statement, the latest success was a direct result of sustained pressure on terrorist camps and enclaves, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives while fleeing advancing security forces.
The government noted that the rescue operation builds on recent security gains recorded in Bunu District of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, where coordinated military actions led to the neutralisation of several criminal elements, the rescue of abducted victims and the destruction of terrorist camps.
It stated that security agencies have maintained the momentum following the operations around Iluke Bunu and neighbouring communities, resulting in the rescue of more victims and the elimination of additional criminal elements hiding in the forests.
Preliminary accounts from the rescued victims indicated that their captors abandoned them and fled due to the overwhelming military pressure generated by coordinated air and ground offensives. The victims reportedly revealed that the sustained attacks created panic within the criminal camps, forcing the kidnappers to disperse and leave their captives behind.
The state government commended the troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, through the Commandant, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Umar Sidi, as well as personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes and hunters for their professionalism and dedication in combating insecurity.
The government also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued commitment to national security and support for security agencies across the country. It further acknowledged the contributions of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the heads of various security and intelligence agencies for their efforts in restoring peace and security in Kogi State and the nation at large.
The statement disclosed that some of the rescued victims were abducted from states outside Kogi, a development the government said underscores the strategic importance of Kogi in Nigeria’s security architecture as a gateway linking the northern and southern regions of the country.
It noted that the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has continued to support security agencies with logistics, intelligence and other resources aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and preventing the state from serving as a safe haven or transit route for terrorists and bandits.
The government further highlighted recent security measures introduced by Governor Ododo, including restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in the Bunu hinterlands, regulation of fuel sales in vulnerable areas, closure of routes identified as criminal corridors and the reorganisation of the state’s security architecture.
According to the government, these measures have disrupted the logistics networks of criminal groups, restricted their movements and weakened their operational capabilities, thereby complementing ongoing military offensives.
The statement added that the successful rescue reflects the impact of the administration’s investments in intelligence gathering, security infrastructure, logistics support, community-based security initiatives and inter-agency collaboration.
Governor Ododo congratulated the rescued victims and their families on their freedom and prayed for their speedy recovery from the trauma of captivity. He assured residents that his administration would continue to work closely with security agencies until all criminal hideouts in the state are dismantled.
The governor also directed the Kogi State Ministry of Health to provide comprehensive medical screening, treatment and psychosocial support for the rescued victims.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Austin Ojotule assured that the ee would take full responsibility for the medical evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation of the victims until they are certified fit and ready to reunite with their families.
He commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their relentless efforts in protecting lives and securing communities across the state.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with security agencies and the families of the victims to facilitate their safe return and recovery, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security operatives.
It reiterated its determination to sustain the current momentum against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements, expressing confidence that continued cooperation among the Federal Government, security agencies and citizens would lead to lasting peace and security across Kogi State and beyond.
