Kwara: Nigerian Army Rescues Two Men After Escape from Kidnappers

Kwara: Nigerian Army Rescues Two Men After Escape from Kidnappers

The Nigerian Army has rescued two kidnap victims in Kwara State as troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North Central under Operation Savannah Shield continue efforts to combat kidnapping, banditry and other security threats across the North-Central region.

The Army disclosed the development in a statement posted on its official social media platforms on Saturday, revealing that the rescue operation took place on June 3, 2026, during a fighting patrol conducted by troops stationed at Patrol Base Babasango.

According to the military, the troops were on a patrol mission to Gidan Dogo Ekaa when they encountered two civilians who had escaped from their abductors and were attempting to find safety.

The victims, identified as 42-year-old Temitope Samuel and 40-year-old Mohammed Sani, were immediately taken into protective custody and evacuated to Patrol Base Babanla for medical attention and other support services.

The Army said both men are currently receiving medical care, psychological support and necessary welfare assistance while arrangements are being made to reunite them with their families.

“The rescued individuals were immediately taken into protective custody by the troops,” the Army stated, adding that the victims are recovering under military protection.

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The successful rescue highlights the growing impact of Operation Savannah Shield, a military security initiative launched to tackle rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry and violent crimes in Kwara State and other parts of the North-Central zone.

Security experts have identified forested areas stretching across parts of Kwara and neighbouring states as key operational routes for criminal groups involved in kidnapping and other violent activities. As a result, troops under the operation have intensified intelligence-driven patrols, surveillance missions and targeted clearance operations aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts.

Military authorities noted that ongoing operations are focused on denying kidnappers freedom of movement while enhancing security for residents living in vulnerable communities.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property through sustained offensive and intelligence-led operations.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property through sustained, intelligence-led operations under Operation Savannah Shield,” the statement said.

The military also commended the troops involved in the rescue mission for their professionalism, courage and vigilance, noting that their prompt response contributed to the safe recovery of the victims.

Authorities further appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing future attacks.

The rescue comes amid renewed efforts by security forces to curb kidnapping in Kwara State and strengthen security across the North-Central region. In recent months, the military has stepped up operations targeting criminal networks operating in forests and remote communities, leading to several arrests, rescues and disruptions of bandit activities.

The Army expressed confidence that sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities would further enhance ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across affected areas.

Kwara: Nigerian Army Rescues Two Men After Escape from Kidnappers