Troops Rescue Woman, Infant in Kogi Kidnap Raid

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued a woman and her six-month-old baby abducted during a kidnap attack in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, following a swift response operation involving local vigilantes.

The victims, identified as Mrs Adekemi Idowu and her infant child, were among five members of the same family seized when armed men invaded their residence near Solid Rock School in Ijalu community on June 3, 2026.

According to a statement signed on Thursday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the troops acted immediately after receiving a distress call and launched a coordinated pursuit with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN).

The combined security response reportedly mounted sustained pressure on the kidnappers along their escape route, forcing them to abandon the woman and her baby near the Oro axis before fleeing into surrounding bushes.

“The sustained pressure mounted by the security team forced the terrorists to abandon Mrs Adekemi Idowu and her six-month-old child before fleeing into the surrounding area,” the statement read.

The rescued victims were safely evacuated and reunited with their family members shortly after the operation.

Military authorities confirmed that efforts have been intensified to track down the remaining three abducted victims as well as apprehend the fleeing suspects responsible for the attack.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging residents to continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies to aid ongoing operations.

Lieutenant Abdullahi noted that the Brigade, under 2 Division Nigerian Army, remains resolute in its determination to rid the area of criminal elements and restore public confidence in security across Kogi State.