Picnews
The Nigerian Army has announced that troops carried out fresh rescue operations today, freeing kidnapped victims in Kwara State and other parts of the North Central region. The operations were conducted under the Joint Task Force North Central, _Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD_.
According to the Army, the victims were intercepted during aggressive clearance patrols targeting bandit and kidnapper hideouts. Soldiers moved into forested areas known for criminal activity and engaged suspected abductors, forcing them to abandon their captives.
The rescued civilians were immediately taken into protective custody. Army medics on ground provided first aid, while psychological support teams were deployed to help the victims recover from the trauma of captivity.
Military authorities said the latest operation is part of a broader strategy to flush out criminal elements from Kwara, Kogi, and neighboring states. Commanders described it as “intelligence-led and people-centered” to ensure communities can farm and travel safely.
Details of the exact number of victims and their identities are expected to be released after families are notified and documentation is completed. The Army said some of the rescued persons had spent weeks in captivity before being found.
This rescue adds to earlier successes in the state. In June, two victims — Mr. Temitope Samuel and Mr. Mohammed Sani — were rescued along the Gidan Dogo Ekaa axis. In 2025, 21 victims including 4 Chinese nationals were also freed in coordinated operations across Kwara and Kogi.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has welcomed the development and reiterated that his administration will support the rehabilitation of victims. He previously stated that “kidnappers have no place in Kwara” and commended the military for restoring calm.
The Army says operations will continue with increased patrols, ambushes, and collaboration with local vigilantes and forest guards. Citizens have been urged to share timely information with security agencies to aid ongoing efforts to end kidnapping in the region.
