The Nigerian Army has rescued five kidnap victims in Kogi State after sustained military operations forced terrorists to abandon their captives and flee under intense pressure from coordinated ground and air assaults.
The rescue operation, carried out on June 17, 2026, was conducted by troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army under the 2 Division as part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts targeting criminal hideouts across the state’s forested areas.
According to the Army, the breakthrough followed recent successes recorded in coordinated military offensives against terrorist enclaves linked to notorious criminal kingpins operating within Kogi State. Troops deployed from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oshokoshoko were carrying out a blocking mission along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route inside the Adankolo Forest when they intercepted the victims.
Military authorities disclosed that the victims had been abandoned by their captors, who were reportedly fleeing from sustained military pressure following an air interdiction mission against a known terrorist camp in the forest.
The Army said preliminary findings revealed that the victims regained their freedom after terrorists dispersed in the wake of ongoing kinetic operations designed to dismantle criminal networks and deny them safe havens within the region.
Following their rescue, the victims were evacuated from the forest and taken to a secure location before being transferred to a military medical facility for treatment and stabilization. Security officials also debriefed the victims to gather intelligence that could assist troops in tracking down and neutralizing other terrorists still operating within the area.
The Army added that efforts were underway to reunite the rescued individuals with their families after the completion of necessary medical and administrative procedures.
The latest operation comes amid intensified military actions in Kogi State, where security forces have ramped up offensive operations against terrorist groups and kidnapping syndicates. The rescue is also the latest indication of the growing pressure being mounted on criminal elements through coordinated air and ground campaigns.
Commenting on the development, Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised the troops for their professionalism, resilience and vigilance during the operation.
According to the Army, the brigade commander described the successful rescue as “a testament to the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property within its Area of Responsibility.”
General Sidi reassured residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities that troops would continue aggressive operations against terrorists and criminal elements until lasting peace and security are restored. He also urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to the success of ongoing military operations.
