Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division, have successfully rescued an abducted mother and her six-month-old infant following a swift response to a kidnapping incident in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident, confirmed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, occurred in the late hours of June 3, 2026. Armed terrorists, bandits, or assailants invaded a residence near Solid Rock School in the Ijalu area or compound of Egbe. During the attack, they reportedly fired sporadically, inducing panic among residents, and abducted five members of a family. The initial victims included a woman, her six-month-old infant child, and three other relatives. Reports also specified that a local shoemaker identified simply as JB was among those taken captive, alongside Mrs. Adekemi Idowu, also referred to as Mrs. Idowu Kemi Titilayo, and her baby.

Upon receiving the distress report regarding the abductions, security forces immediately mobilized. This joint rescue operation involved troops of the Nigerian Army working in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and local security operatives. They launched a rapid pursuit operation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route, applying sustained pressure on the abductors. This relentless pursuit ultimately forced the terrorists to abandon Mrs. Adekemi Idowu and her six-month-old child near the Oro axis before they fled into the surrounding area. The rescued mother and child were subsequently recovered unharmed and safely reunited with their family in the early hours of Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Despite the successful rescue of the mother and infant, anxiety remains high within the community as not all victims have been freed. Two of Mrs. Idowu's children, specifically a boy and a girl, and the local shoemaker identified as JB, remain in captivity. Security operatives have since intensified efforts to secure the release of these remaining victims. Troops are continuing aggressive search and rescue operations in the area, aiming to locate the abductors and bring the perpetrators to justice. The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, while also urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information and actionable intelligence to assist ongoing security operations against criminal elements.