Troops rescue 21 kidnapped victims, 4 Chinese nationals

Nigerian Army troops have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, among them four Chinese nationals, during coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi States.

The operation, conducted on Thursday, October 17, 2025, was part of Operation FANSAN YAMA — a military offensive targeting bandits and kidnappers in the North Central region.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the rescue effort involved personnel from the 2 Division, 12 Brigade Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade Ilorin.

The victims, comprising 14 men, five women, one infant, and four Chinese nationals, were freed after troops intensified attacks on criminal hideouts in the two states. Some of the captives were reportedly held for over four months before regaining their freedom.

Okoye said the successful operation reflected the army’s renewed strategy to combat insecurity and dismantle criminal networks across the region.

“The coordinated efforts by troops of 12 Brigade, Lokoja, and 22 Armoured Brigade, Ilorin, under Operation FANSAN YAMA, led to the rescue of 21 kidnapped victims from different locations in Kwara and Kogi States,” the statement read.

“The victims disclosed that they had been abducted at various times, with some spending more than four months in captivity. The sustained military offensive compelled the bandits to release their captives,” it added.

The army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the ongoing operations to restore peace and security in the North Central region.