Troops Free Nursing Mother and Infant as Security Operatives Hunt Kogi Kidnappers

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a woman and her six-month-old baby following a kidnapping incident in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, while efforts continue to secure the release of other victims abducted during the attack.

The rescue operation followed an invasion by suspected terrorists who stormed a residence near Solid Rock School in the Ijalu area of Egbe late on Wednesday night and abducted five members of a family.

According to the Army, troops of the 12 Brigade, working in collaboration with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), responded swiftly after receiving a distress call and pursued the kidnappers along their escape route.
The abductors, reportedly overwhelmed by pressure from the security team, abandoned the woman and her infant near the Oro axis before fleeing into nearby bushes.

The rescued victims were safely reunited with their family, while security operatives widened search operations to locate the remaining abductees and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, said the troops acted immediately after receiving information about the incident.

“Upon receiving the distress report, troops immediately mobilized in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), launching a pursuit operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route,” he said.
The Army noted that the latest rescue came on the heels of recent counter-kidnapping successes in the state. On June 1, troops rescued 23 passengers during an operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. Similarly, on May 30, another operation in Lokoja foiled a kidnapping attempt and led to the neutralisation of a suspected terrorist.
The military reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations.