HOTOS: Soldiers rescue four Chinese nationals, 17 others kidnap victims

Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued a total of 21 kidnapped victims, including four Chinese nationals, during coordinated counter-banditry operations spanning Kwara and Kogi States.¹

The rescue mission, conducted by troops from the 2 Division/Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMA on October 17, 2025, followed intensified offensives against criminal elements operating across the two states.²

Details of the Rescue Operation:

• Total Victims: The troops freed 21 kidnap victims, comprised of 14 men, five women, one infant, and the four Chinese nationals.³
• Duration of Captivity: Some of the rescued victims had been held by their captors for over four months.⁴
• Method of Rescue: According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Polycarp Okoye, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the sustained pressure and coordinated offensives by the Nigerian Army forced the bandits to release their captives.⁵
• Coordination: The successful operation involved the combined efforts of troops from the 12 Brigade in Lokoja and the 22 Armoured Brigade in Ilorin, demonstrating strong synergy among the units.⁶
• Aftermath: The rescued persons were immediately provided with first aid and relief support under the coordination of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General C. R. Nnebeife. They have been evacuated to a military medical facility for continued treatment, as many were weak and exhausted after their ordeal.⁷

Maj. Gen. Nnebeife reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining the onslaught against all criminal elements, vowing that there would be no hiding place for bandits within the Division’s area of responsibility.⁸