Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued five kidnap victims abandoned by fleeing terrorists during a sustained military offensive against criminal hideouts in Kogi State.
The rescue operation was carried out on June 17, 2026, as troops intensified efforts to consolidate gains recorded from recent coordinated ground and air operations targeting terrorist enclaves in the state’s forested areas.
The operation formed part of ongoing efforts by the military to dismantle criminal networks operating within the brigade’s area of responsibility and deny terrorists freedom of movement and operation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, said the rescue followed a blocking operation mounted by troops from the Forward Operating Base, Oshokoshoko, along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route within the Adankolo Forest.
According to him, the operation was launched after recent air interdiction missions against identified terrorist camps in the area.
“Acting on operational directives and following the recent air interdiction mission conducted against a known terrorist hideout within the forest, troops deployed from Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko on a blocking mission along Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route within Adankolo Forest,” Abdullahi said.
“During the operation, vigilant troops intercepted five kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by the terrorists while fleeing from the intense military pressure mounted on their camps.”
Preliminary findings indicated that the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists were forced to disperse under sustained military attacks on their hideouts.
“The victims had regained their freedom after the terrorists were compelled to scatter in the aftermath of ongoing kinetic operations targeting their camps and strongholds,” the army spokesman stated.
Following their rescue, the victims were secured and evacuated from the forest to a safe location before being moved to a military medical facility for treatment and further evaluation.
“The victims were immediately secured by troops and evacuated from the forest to a safe location for further assessment and care. Subsequently, they were moved to a military medical facility where they received medical attention and stabilization,” Abdullahi added.
He disclosed that the rescued victims were also debriefed to obtain intelligence that could assist ongoing efforts to track down and neutralise the fleeing terrorists.
“The victims were debriefed to obtain useful intelligence that could support ongoing operations aimed at locating and neutralizing the remaining terrorists still operating within the general area,” he said.
According to the statement, arrangements have commenced to reunite the victims with their families upon completion of the necessary medical and administrative procedures.
The Army described the successful operation as further evidence of the effectiveness of ongoing coordinated offensives against terrorist and criminal groups threatening security in Kogi State.
“The successful rescue further highlights the effectiveness of the ongoing coordinated operations being conducted by troops of 12 Brigade against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening peace and security in Kogi State,” Abdullahi noted.
“It also demonstrates the military’s resolve to sustain pressure on criminal groups until all camps and safe havens within the area are dismantled.”
The Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, resilience and professionalism, saying their actions reflected the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
“The Commander commended the troops for their vigilance, resilience and professionalism which led to the successful interception and rescue of the victims. He noted that the achievement is a testament to the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property within its Area of Responsibility,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the brigade would continue aggressive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored across Kogi State and neighbouring communities.
“The Commander reassured residents that troops will continue to sustain aggressive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements until lasting peace and security are fully restored. He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that public support remains critical to the success of ongoing military operations,” Abdullahi stated.
The rescue comes amid intensified military operations across several parts of the country aimed at dismantling terrorist camps, rescuing abducted persons and restoring security to vulnerable communities.
