Nigerian troops have rescued two kidnapped women in Kwara State and foiled multiple abduction attempts in Ondo and Niger states as security forces intensified operations against criminal elements across affected communities.
Troops engaged in ongoing internal security operations across Nigeria have rescued two kidnapped women in Kwara State and successfully foiled fresh abduction attempts in Ondo and Niger states, dealing another blow to criminal groups operating in affected communities.
This was disclosed in an operational report released to journalists on Wednesday, detailing recent successes recorded by security forces in the fight against kidnapping and other criminal activities.
According to the report, troops of Operation Savannah Shield rescued two female victims during a fighting patrol in the Ndanaku-Lata axis of Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the women were abducted on April 2, 2026, while returning from Patigi Market along the Ndanaku-Mari village road.
The report stated that both victims, who are residents of Ndanaku community, were abandoned by their captors along the Lata-Ndanaku forest corridor after security pressure forced the kidnappers to flee.
“The victims were subsequently reunited with their families after receiving necessary assistance from the troops,” the report stated.
In a related operation, troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Bangi in Niger State thwarted an attempt by suspected terrorists to abduct farmers along the Kukata-Kotonkoro road in Mariga Local Government Area.
Security forces reportedly engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon the planned abduction and retreat into nearby forests.
The report added that military reinforcements were immediately deployed to pursue the fleeing suspects, while traces of blood discovered along their escape route suggested that some of the criminals may have sustained injuries during the encounter.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation MESA, working in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, also foiled two separate attempted kidnappings in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Security operatives responded swiftly to distress calls following reports of attempted abductions in Ojana New Area and Igbegun Area, located off the Owo Housing Estate.
According to the report, the rapid intervention by the joint security team disrupted the operations and forced the armed suspects to flee into surrounding bushes before they could execute their plans.
The intended victims and their family members were rescued unharmed during the operation.
However, one civilian sustained a gunshot wound to the leg amid the incident and was immediately evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, for medical treatment.
Following the failed abduction attempts, troops launched pursuit and bush-combing operations aimed at tracking down and apprehending the fleeing suspects.
The military also intensified surveillance and security patrols in the affected communities to prevent further criminal activities and reassure residents.
Security authorities noted that the operations reflect the sustained efforts of the armed forces and other security agencies to combat kidnapping, terrorism and violent crimes across the country.
The latest successes come amid ongoing nationwide operations targeting criminal networks responsible for abductions, attacks on rural communities and threats to public safety.
Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements and enhancing the protection of vulnerable communities through intelligence-driven operations and inter-agency collaboration.
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