Troops Rescue Abducted Resident in Yagba West as Military Intensifies Operations in Kogi

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

Relief has returned to parts of Yagba West Local Government Area in Kogi State following the successful rescue of a kidnapped resident by troops of the Nigerian Army during a routine patrol operation in the area.

The operation, carried out by personnel of the 12 Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Egbe, took place at about 2:07 p.m. on April 10, 2026, within the Aaru Cashew Plantation axis, a known agrarian corridor in the local government area.

Military sources confirmed that the troops were conducting routine security patrols when they came across the abducted man, who had been abandoned by his captors. The discovery was made after soldiers advanced into the area as part of ongoing efforts to clear criminal hideouts and strengthen security presence across vulnerable communities.

Preliminary information gathered by security operatives indicates that the victim was originally abducted on April 1 in Ejiba community, also within Yagba West. His captivity had raised concerns among residents, who have faced recurring incidents of kidnapping and bandit-related activity in parts of Kogi State in recent months.

According to accounts provided after his rescue, the victim told investigators that his abductors fled abruptly when they noticed approaching troops around the Dadi Kowa axis. The suspects reportedly abandoned him at the location and escaped into nearby terrain to avoid confrontation with the advancing soldiers.

Following the successful rescue, the victim was taken into military custody for debriefing, where he provided details of his abduction and the conditions he endured while in captivity. He was later reunited with his family, bringing relief to relatives and community members who had feared for his safety since his disappearance.

Security sources described the operation as part of sustained efforts by the Nigerian Army to disrupt criminal networks operating within forested and rural areas of Kogi State. The region has in recent times witnessed increased military patrols aimed at tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes affecting highways and farming communities.

The 12 Brigade has reportedly intensified its presence across strategic locations in Yagba West and surrounding local government areas, particularly in response to intelligence reports indicating the movement of armed groups within forest belts and plantations used as hideouts.

Residents of the area have welcomed the rescue, describing it as a positive sign of improved security response. However, they also expressed concerns over the persistence of kidnapping incidents, calling for sustained military operations and improved collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

Community leaders have repeatedly urged authorities to strengthen surveillance in remote areas, particularly along farm routes and plantation zones that are often targeted by criminal groups due to their isolated terrain and limited security coverage.

The Nigerian Army has maintained that ongoing patrols and clearance operations are aimed at restoring confidence among residents and ensuring safer conditions for agricultural and commercial activities in the region. Military officials also emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing, noting that timely information from residents has been crucial in recent successful operations.

While no arrests were made during the rescue operation, security sources indicated that efforts are ongoing to track down the kidnappers who fled the scene. Troops are reportedly continuing patrols in surrounding areas to prevent regrouping and to locate possible escape routes used by the suspects.

The rescued victim is said to be in stable condition following his ordeal and has been reunited with his family after receiving initial medical and psychological support. Authorities have not disclosed his identity for security reasons.

The incident adds to a series of recent rescue operations conducted by security forces in Kogi State, where kidnapping for ransom has remained a persistent challenge, particularly along rural communities and interstate travel routes.

Military authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements operating in the region, assuring residents that operations will continue until security is significantly improved across affected areas.

For now, the successful rescue has provided a measure of relief to the community, even as calls grow for sustained and expanded security interventions to prevent future abductions.

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