June 17, (THEWILL) — Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued five kidnapped victims after launching a coordinated offensive against terrorist hideouts in forested communities of Kogi State, as intensified military operations forced fleeing terrorists to abandon their captives while escaping sustained ground and aerial bombardments.
The operation, carried out on Wednesday, June 17, marks the latest breakthrough recorded by troops of the 12 Brigade as the military ramps up counterterrorism offensives targeting criminal enclaves and armed groups operating within Kogi and adjoining areas.
Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, said the rescue followed recent coordinated air interdiction missions and aggressive ground assaults launched against identified terrorist camps hidden inside the Adankolo Forest axis.
Abdullahi explained that the latest operation formed part of sustained military offensives aimed at dismantling the operational networks of notorious terrorist kingpins while cutting off the freedom of movement enjoyed by criminal elements operating within the Brigade’s operational jurisdiction.
According to the Army, troops deployed from Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko were executing a blocking operation along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo route shortly after the Air Component struck a known terrorist enclave deep inside the forest.
It was during that operation that soldiers intercepted five kidnapped victims who had been abandoned by terrorists scrambling to escape intense military pressure mounted simultaneously on multiple criminal camps.
Military authorities said preliminary findings showed the victims regained their freedom after the terrorists dispersed following the ongoing coordinated kinetic assault targeting their hideouts.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated from the forest and moved to a secure military facility where they received emergency medical treatment and stabilisation.
The Army further disclosed that security personnel have commenced intelligence debriefing of the victims as part of efforts to gather operational information that could assist troops in tracking down and neutralising other terrorist elements still believed to be active within the general area.
Authorities said arrangements were already underway to reunite the victims with their families after the completion of mandatory medical examinations and administrative procedures.
The military described the latest rescue as further evidence that ongoing offensives by troops of the 12 Brigade are significantly degrading terrorist operations and weakening criminal structures threatening peace and security across Kogi State.
Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended troops involved in the operation, praising their vigilance, discipline and professionalism, which led to the successful rescue mission.
He said the latest success demonstrates the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining relentless pressure on terrorist networks operating within its Area of Responsibility.
Sidi reassured residents of Kogi and neighbouring communities that the military would continue aggressive operations until all terrorist camps, safe havens and criminal enclaves within the state are completely dismantled.
He also called on members of the public to support ongoing security operations by volunteering credible, and timely intelligence to security agencies, stressing that civilian cooperation remains critical in winning the broader fight against terrorism and criminality.
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