Troops of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 21 kidnap victims, including four Chinese expatriates, during a coordinated weekend operation across parts of Kwara State and Kogi State.
The rescue mission, conducted under Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMA, involved personnel from the 12 Brigade (Lokoja) and 22 Armoured Brigade (Ilorin). Among those freed were 14 men, five women, an infant, and four Chinese nationals abducted from various locations in the two states.
It remains unclear whether one of the Chinese victims, Mr. Sam Xie Wie, who was kidnapped in June, is among those rescued. On June 4, at a mining site in Oreke-Okeigbo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara, armed men killed two police officers and abducted Mr. Xie Wie alongside a Nigerian worker, Mr. David Adenaiye. The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion.
According to military sources, the victims regained their freedom following intensified offensives that forced the kidnappers to abandon their hideouts. Some captives had been in captivity for more than four months.
In a statement, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, Director of Army Public Relations and General Officer Commanding 2 Division, confirmed that the rescued victims were evacuated to a military hospital for treatment and provided with relief support. He added that they would be reunited with their families after full recovery.
Major General Nnebeife assured the public that the Army would sustain its operations until all criminal elements within its area of responsibility are neutralised. He also expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Air Force for air support and other security agencies for their cooperation.
He commended the troops for their bravery and directed that the current operational momentum be maintained to restore lasting peace across Kwara, Kogi, and neighbouring states.
