Army Rescues 5 Hostages During Anti-Terror Operations in Kogi
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, have rescued five kidnap victims who were abandoned by fleeing terrorists during ongoing counter-terrorism operations in Kogi State.
The rescue was carried out on Tuesday as troops intensified efforts to consolidate gains recorded from recent coordinated ground and air offensives targeting terrorist hideouts in the state's forested areas.
According to the Army, the operation was part of sustained military actions aimed at dismantling criminal networks linked to notorious terrorist leaders and denying them freedom of movement within the brigade's area of responsibility.
The Army said troops deployed from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oshokoshoko were conducting a blocking operation along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route in the Adankolo Forest following a recent air interdiction mission against a known terrorist enclave in the area.
During the operation, the troops intercepted five kidnapped victims who had reportedly been abandoned by the terrorists while escaping from intense military pressure mounted on their camps.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists dispersed in the aftermath of ongoing kinetic operations targeting their hideouts.
The victims were immediately secured and evacuated from the forest to a safe location before being moved to a military medical facility, where they received medical attention and were stabilized.
Military authorities disclosed that the victims were also debriefed to obtain intelligence that could support ongoing efforts to track and neutralize remaining terrorist elements operating within the area. Arrangements are underway to reunite the rescued victims with their families upon completion of necessary administrative and medical procedures.
The Army noted that the successful rescue underscores the effectiveness of ongoing coordinated operations by troops of the 12 Brigade against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening peace and security in Kogi State. It added that the operation reflects the military's determination to sustain pressure on criminal groups until all camps and safe havens within the area are dismantled.
Commending the troops for their vigilance, resilience and professionalism, the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, described the rescue as evidence of the brigade's commitment to protecting lives and property within its area of responsibility.
He reassured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities that the military would continue aggressive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored.
The commander also appealed to members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing military operations.
The development was contained in a statement issued on June 17, 2026, by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army.
By PRNigeria
