Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Lokoja have successfully rescued six people abducted from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba East Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims, which included the pastor and his wife, were kidnapped by gunmen last Sunday.
In a statement, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, said the rescue operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and banditry in Kogi.
“During a coordinated search and rescue mission across the Ejiba and Saminaka Forest axis, troops, supported by the Nigeria Police helicopter, intercepted the victims. The operation is part of intensified air and ground offensives to eliminate criminal activities and enhance security in the region,” he said.
Lt. Abdullahi added that five of the rescued individuals have been debriefed and reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba, while the sixth victim is receiving medical attention due to injuries sustained before the rescue.
“The rescued persons were found in a stable condition and were released by the bandits due to sustained pressure from our troops during joint operations,” he said.
The brigade assured the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stating, “Troops will continue to dominate forests and known hideouts to deny criminals any freedom of action.”
Meanwhile, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, reaffirmed the state government’s zero-tolerance stance on negotiating with criminals.
Speaking on a live programme, he said, “The government will never engage in discussions or ransom deals with kidnappers. Kogi has both the will and capacity to confront criminal networks.”
Fanwo also acknowledged a recent gun battle between kidnappers and military operatives that resulted in the death of two civilians.
“We regret the loss of lives, but the intensity of the security response sent a strong message to the assailants,” he said, emphasizing that the government would continue deploying a comprehensive security strategy to protect residents and neutralize threats.
