Nigerian Army Saves Woman and Baby After Kidnap in Kogi

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

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

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

He said the attack took place late on Wednesday when armed men stormed a house near Solid Rock School in the Ijalu area of Egbe, abducting five family members.

The victims included the woman, her baby, and three other relatives.

“Upon receiving the distress report, troops immediately mobilized with help from the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and began a chase along the kidnappers' escape route,” he stated.

The army spokesperson added that the pressure from the troops and local vigilantes made the kidnappers leave Adekemi Idowu and her six-month-old child near the Oro axis before running away.

He mentioned that the rescued victims were safely brought back to their family. Security operatives are still searching for the remaining captives and looking to catch those behind the attack.

This rescue comes as military operations against kidnappers and other criminal activities have stepped up across Kogi State.

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

The military reported that two people died and five others were hurt during that attack. Troops also found abandoned vehicles and pressured the kidnappers into releasing many captives during the chase.

The Nigerian Army has said it will keep working to protect lives and property. They have also asked the public to keep giving timely and reliable information to help with ongoing security efforts.

Security agencies are increasing patrols and search efforts across Kogi State as they aim to tackle the growing issue of kidnappings and violent attacks affecting communities and main roads.