Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 2 Division have rescued 21 kidnap victims, including four Chinese expatriates, during a coordinated operation across parts of Kwara and Kogi States.

The operation, carried out over the weekend under Sector 3 of Operation FANSAN YAMA, was executed by troops of the 12 Brigade (Lokoja) and 22 Armoured Brigade (Ilorin).

The victims included 14 males, 5 females, one infant and four Chinese nationals who were abducted from different locations in the two states.

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However, it is unclear whether a Chinese miner, originally abducted in June and identified as Mr Sam Xie Wie, is among those freed.

On June 4, at a mining facility in Oreke-Okeigbo, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara, gunmen killed two police officers and abducted Mr Xie Wie and a Nigerian worker, Mr David Adenaiye.

The kidnappers later reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦1 billion.

Military sources said the freed captives regained their freedom after intensified offensive operations, which forced the bandits to abandon their hideouts. Some of the victims were reportedly held for over four months.

A statement issued by the Army’s Director of Public Relations, Major General C. R. Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander Sector 3, made available to Daily Trust, said the rescued victims, many of whom were weak and traumatised, have been evacuated to a military hospital and are responding to treatment.

He said they were also given relief support and they will be reunited with their families upon full recovery.

He pledged that the Army will sustain operations until all criminal elements in its area of responsibility are neutralised.

Major General Nnebeife further thanked the Nigerian Air Force for air support and other security agencies for their collaboration.

He praised the troops for their courage and directed that the operational tempo be maintained to restore lasting peace across Kwara, Kogi and neighbouring states.