A major security operation spanning Kogi and Kwara states has led to the rescue of 309 hostages, the arrest of 129 suspects, and the neutralisation of 55 terrorists, according to the Nigeria Police Force, marking one of the most extensive anti-terror campaigns in the region in recent years.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the coordinated operation targeted long-standing terrorist and bandit hideouts deep within forested areas that had previously served as bases for kidnappings and violent attacks.
“These were people who refused to surrender and chose to fight to the end. That is why 55 of them were neutralised. Let me emphasise that these were firefights, not extrajudicial killings,” Hundeyin stated.
He explained that the operation followed months of intelligence gathering and strategic planning, involving multiple security agencies, including the Police Mobile Force, Intelligence Response Team, Special Intervention Squad, the Police Air Wing, and the military.
“Ground units and aerial teams worked in perfect coordination to secure the area, dismantle criminal enclaves, and bring hostages to safety,” he said.
Aerial footage released by authorities showed forest settlements engulfed in flames, underscoring the scale of the operation and the determination of security forces to dismantle criminal strongholds. Security officials confirmed that operations are ongoing, with efforts focused on flushing out remaining terrorist cells.
“We are taking this battle to every identified enclave of bandits and terrorists. This is just the beginning,” Hundeyin added.
The operation has been welcomed by residents and community leaders across affected areas, many of whom have lived for years under the threat of abduction and violence.
Meanwhile, in a related development highlighting the continued human toll of insecurity in Kogi State, 17 worshippers abducted from the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu have reportedly been released after weeks of negotiations with their captors.
The worshippers were among more than 30 church members abducted on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when armed men stormed the church during a programme and took them to an unknown location, triggering fear and outrage in the community.
Sources said the latest release followed sustained dialogue involving the victims’ families and the Aiyetoro Kiri Bunu Development Association, which led community-driven efforts to secure their freedom. Despite the progress, 13 worshippers are still believed to be in captivity.
Earlier releases came in stages. On January 1, 2026, seven worshippers were freed after a reported ₦15 million ransom payment. That release was overshadowed by tragedy, as two captives reportedly died while in custody, and another died shortly after being taken to hospital. Three additional victims were released on January 12, followed by the release of 14 others on Tuesday, bringing the total number freed so far to 24.
It was reported that the Kogi State Government was not directly involved in the negotiations, which were handled by the community and its local leaders.
As security operations continue across Kogi and Kwara, residents say the large-scale police action offers renewed hope, even as families of those still in captivity await the safe return of their loved ones.
