Nigerian troops have successfully rescued two kidnap victims, Mr. Temitope Samuel, 42, and Mr. Mohammed Sani, 40, in Kwara State. The rescue operation was conducted by troops of the Joint Task Force North Central, operating under Operation Savannah Shield, as part of ongoing efforts to intensify operations against criminal groups across the country’s North Central region.

The military stated that the operation took place on June 3 along the Gidan Dogo Ekaa axis. Soldiers on a fighting patrol encountered the two men who had managed to escape from their abductors. The Nigerian Army, in a statement released on Saturday, June 6, affirmed that this was a decisive demonstration of operational prowess by the Joint Task Force North Central.

Following their rescue, the victims were immediately taken into protective custody by the troops. They were then transferred to Patrol Base Babanla, where they are receiving comprehensive medical treatment, psychological support, and other necessary assistance to help them recover from their ordeal. Military authorities have confirmed that arrangements are actively being made to reunite the rescued men with their families.

Kidnapping for ransom remains a significant security challenge in various parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North Central and northwestern regions. Armed groups in these areas frequently target travellers, villagers, students, and other civilians. This latest rescue operation comes amid continuous military efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring security to affected communities.

The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens through intelligence-led operations under Operation Savannah Shield, a security initiative specifically focused on tackling criminal activities in the North Central zone. The military also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against kidnappers and other criminal elements. Authorities did not disclose specific details about the kidnappers involved in the incident or whether any arrests were made during the operation.