Kogi State Sees Boost in Security as Army Rescues Kidnapped Mother and Child

In a significant development, the Nigerian Army has successfully rescued a woman and her six-month-old infant from kidnappers in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State. This rescue operation comes as part of the state government's renewed efforts to bolster security operations. According to Lt. Ahmad Hassan Abdullahi, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, the rescue was made possible after troops responded swiftly to a distress call and pursued the kidnappers. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when armed men stormed a residence near Solid Rock School in the Ijalu area of Egbe, abducting five family members. Upon receiving the distress report, troops immediately mobilized in conjunction with members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, launching a pursuit operation along the kidnappers' withdrawal route. The sustained pressure from the troops and local vigilantes forced the kidnappers to abandon Mrs. Adekemi Idowu and her six-month-old child near the Oro axis before fleeing into the surrounding area. The rescued victims have been safely reunited with their family, while security operatives continue their search operations to rescue the remaining captives and apprehend those responsible for the attack. Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has intensified its efforts to strengthen the state's security architecture. Governor Usman Ododo recently commissioned a fully equipped Police Force Violent Crime Response Unit in Lokoja, reaffirming his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. Represented by his deputy, Mr. Joel Salifu, at the inauguration, Ododo noted that security remains central to his administration's development agenda, emphasizing that economic growth and prosperity can only thrive in a peaceful and secure environment. The governor also announced the donation of four Toyota Hilux operational vehicles, a bulletproof Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carrier, and three Toyota Sienna vehicles to enhance the unit's rapid response and crime-fighting capabilities. He urged officers of the unit to remain professional, disciplined, and courageous in carrying out their duties, assuring them of sustained government support.