Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja, have confirmed the successful rescue of six kidnapped victims from Ejiba community in Yagba East Local Council of Kogi State.
The rescue follows the Sunday, November 30 attack, during which gunmen invaded the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, abducting several members, including the pastor and his wife.
In a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, the military revealed that the victims were recovered during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation conducted across the Ejiba and Saminaka forest axis spanning Yagba East and Yagba West LGAs.
The statement read in part:
“In the ongoing onslaught against banditry and kidnapping across Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have recorded another operational success with the rescue of six kidnapped victims during a coordinated search and rescue mission conducted within the Ejiba and Saminaka Forest axis.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to eliminate criminal activities and enhance security across the region.”
According to the Army, intensified air and ground raids — supported by a Nigeria Police helicopter — pressured the bandits into releasing the captives. Troops deployed at Patrol Base Ejiba later intercepted the victims.
The Army confirmed that the rescued persons were found in stable condition, noting:
“Five of the rescued individuals have since undergone debriefing and were reunited with their families in Egbe and Ejiba communities of Yagba West Local Government Area, while the sixth victim is currently receiving medical attention due to his condition at the point of rescue.”
Reassuring residents, the Brigade pledged continued operations to secure the state:
“Troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests and identified hideouts, and deny criminals the freedom of action.”
