By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under 2 Division, have rescued a mother and her six-month-old baby after a kidnapping attack in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The attack happened late on 3 June 2026 when suspected terrorists invaded a residence near Solid Rock School in Ijalu, Egbe, and abducted five members of a family, including Mrs. Adekemi Idowu, her infant child, and three others.
Acting on a distress report, troops mobilized alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, and pursued the kidnappers along their withdrawal route. The pressure forced the terrorists to abandon Mrs. Idowu and her baby near the Oro axis before fleeing into nearby bushes.
The rescued mother and child were safely returned to their residence.
The Nigerian Army said troops have intensified aggressive search and rescue operations to secure the release of the three remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, confirmed the development in a statement on 4 June 2026. He said the Army remains committed to protecting lives and property, and urged residents to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
