Nigerian Army records major win as over 1,000 kidnap victims regain freedom
In the heart of the North West, where many families have lived in fear for far too long, there is finally a reason to smile. The Nigerian Army has just dropped some very cheering news that shows our gallant troops are not sleeping on the bicycle at all.
During a farewell ceremony held in Sokoto on Friday, the outgoing General Officer Commanding of 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, revealed that his team successfully rescued more than 1,000 kidnap victims during his 18 month tenure.
As an editor who has seen many sad headlines about insecurity, I can tell you that hearing about over a thousand people returning to their loved ones is the kind of update that gives us hope for a safer Nigeria.
Sustained pressure on bandits restores hope for local farmers
This achievement did not happen by accident; it was the result of a deliberate and “no gree for anybody” approach under Sector 2 of Operation Fasan Yamma. Major General Ajose explained that the military kept constant pressure on the enclaves where these criminals hide, making it impossible for them to continue their “business” as usual.
Because of these operations, many displaced residents who had abandoned their homes have started returning to their communities. Even more impressive is the fact that many farmers were able to return to their farmlands during the last planting season without the usual fear of being snatched away.
In 2025 alone, the troops did not only save lives but also recovered over 200 weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition, effectively weakening the bandit networks.
Improving welfare as a secret weapon for operational success
Beyond the battlefront, the outgoing GOC made it clear that a happy soldier is a productive soldier. He highlighted significant improvements in the living conditions within the Giginya Cantonment, where some facilities were being renovated for the first time in nearly twenty years.
For the first time in almost two decades, the waterworks were restored, and medical facilities began enjoying 24 hour power supply. Our troops and their families are now getting better care, including free maternal health services and specialized surgeries for wounded soldiers at no cost.
This human side of the military’s work, supported by the top brass in Abuja, is what provided the morale boost needed to achieve these massive rescue numbers.
A new hand on the plow to keep the momentum going
As Major General Ajose moves on to his next assignment in Abuja, he is handing over the baton to Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna. The incoming GOC did not hold back his praise, describing 8 Division as a “shining example” of what the army can achieve when the strategy is right.
The goal now is to ensure that the progress made in the last 18 months does not slow down. The soldiers have been urged to give the new leader even more support than they gave the last one so that the remaining criminal elements can be cleared out for good. While there is still work to be done to achieve total peace, the rescue of these 1,000 victims proves that with the right focus and welfare for our troops, the Giant of Africa can indeed protect its own.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
