Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have rescued six kidnapped victims from bandits in the Ejiba and Saminaka forests in the Yagba East LGA of Kogi.

This was disclosed in a statement by the brigade’s spokesperson, Hassan Abdullahi, on Tuesday.

Mr Abdullahi said that the operation was part of the army’s ongoing efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping in the region.

He explained that the operation, involving coordinated air and ground offensives with support from the Nigeria Police helicopter, led to the interception of the victims.

According to him, the victims were confirmed to have been abandoned by the bandits due to the sustained pressure from the military.

“Five of the rescued individuals have been reunited with their families in the Egbe and Ejiba communities, while the sixth is receiving medical attention,” he said.

The brigade reassured the public and the people of Kogi that the army remained committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

“Troops will continue to intensify operations, dominate the forests and identified hideouts, and deny criminals the freedom of action,” he said.

Bandits had attacked a Cherubim and Seraphim church on Sunday during service in Ejiba and kidnapped the pastor and several worshippers.

(NAN)