Following a quick reaction to a kidnapping incident in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, soldiers from the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued two victims, one of whom is a six-month-old baby.
After troops, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), launched a pursuit operation against suspected terrorists, the victims were freed. They had been abducted along with five other family members in Egbe.
As per a statement released on Thursday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, the incident took place late on June 3, 2026, when armed terrorists attacked a home near Solid Rock School in the Ijalu area of Egbe and abducted five family members.
Among those abducted were a woman named Mrs. Adekemi Idowu, her baby, and three other family members.
Abdullahi stated that after receiving the distress call, troops quickly mobilised and, in collaboration with local vigilantes, pursued the kidnappers along their escape route.
“Troops swiftly mobilized along with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and launched a pursuit operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route after receiving the distress report,” he stated.
He mentioned that the ongoing pressure from the security team compelled the kidnappers to leave Mrs. Idowu and her six-month-old child near the Oro axis before they fled into the nearby area.
According to the statement, “The ongoing pressure from the security team compelled the terrorists to leave Mrs. Adekemi Idowu and her six-month-old child near Oro axis before they fled into the nearby area.”
After their rescue, the mother and child were safely reunited with their family, and troops have ramped up search efforts to save the remaining victims and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Nigerian Army has once again pledged to safeguard lives and property nationwide, urging citizens to assist security agencies with timely and credible information.
Abdullahi added, “The Nigerian Army is dedicated to safeguarding lives and property and calls on the public to keep providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.”
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