In a statement released on Wednesday, Kingsley Fanwo announced that the remaining nine victims regained their freedom during a security operation carried out in the early hours of the day.
The children were abducted on April 26 after gunmen invaded the orphanage in Lokoja and also took away the wife of the orphanage owner.
Authorities had earlier confirmed the rescue of 15 victims on April 27 as security operatives intensified efforts to track down the kidnappers.
Fanwo described the latest rescue mission as “a major breakthrough against criminal elements” and a huge relief to the affected families.
According to him, troops of the Nigerian Army 12 Brigade, working alongside other security agencies, carried out the operation in the Agbaja forest area of Lokoja Local Government Area.
“The operation resulted in the safe recovery of five boys, two girls, and two adult females,” Fanwo said.
“The rescued victims have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving proper medical care and attention.”
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo praised the military and other security agencies for their courage and professionalism during the rescue mission.
The governor also commended the victims and their families for remaining strong throughout the ordeal.
“The safety and security of all residents remain the foremost priority of our administration,” Ododo said.
“This successful operation underscores our determination to ensure that criminal elements have no foothold in Kogi.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s tough stance against kidnapping and violent crimes, promising to strengthen security measures, improve intelligence gathering and continue supporting security agencies.
He also urged residents to stay alert and cooperate with security operatives by providing useful information that could help in the arrest of the kidnappers and others involved in criminal activities.
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