Nigerian Army saves mother and baby after kidnapping in Kogi

Troops from the Nigerian Army have rescued a woman and her six-month-old baby after a kidnapping in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Hassan Abdullahi, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, shared this news in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Abdullahi explained that the rescue happened after troops got a distress call and chased the kidnappers.

The incident took place late on Wednesday when armed men attacked a home near Solid Rock School in the Ijalu area of Egbe, taking five family members hostage.

He said the victims were the woman, her baby, and three others. “Upon receiving the distress report, troops immediately mobilized in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), launching a pursuit operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route,” he stated.

The army spokesperson mentioned that the kidnappers abandoned Adekemi Idowu and her six-month-old child near the Oro axis due to pressure from the troops and local vigilantes. They then fled into the nearby area.

The rescued woman and her baby were safely returned to their family. Security forces are still working to find the other kidnapped family members and to catch the attackers.

This rescue comes as military forces step up operations against kidnappers and criminals in Kogi State.

As reported by PREMIUM TIMES, troops from the 12 Brigade recently saved 23 kidnapped passengers along the Ayegunle-Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. This happened after gunmen blocked the road and took travelers hostage in the early hours of June 1.

During that attack, two people were killed and five others were injured. Troops managed to recover abandoned vehicles and forced the kidnappers to release many captives during their pursuit.

The Nigerian Army has expressed its commitment to protecting lives and property. They have also asked the public to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing security efforts.

Security agencies are increasing surveillance and search operations across Kogi State. They aim to reduce the growing number of kidnappings and violent attacks affecting communities and major roads.