Kogi Kidnap Rescue sees security operatives free a woman and her four-month-old baby after a bandit attack in Yagba West

Security operatives in Kogi State on Thursday carried out a successful Kogi Kidnap Rescue operation, freeing a woman and her four-month-old baby who were abducted during a bandit attack on Ijalu compound in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area.

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The victims were kidnapped on Wednesday evening when suspected armed bandits invaded the Ijalu community, creating panic among residents as they struck near the Solid Rock School axis of the area.

According to security sources, the attackers whisked away the mother and her infant during the raid before fleeing into nearby routes within the community.

A swift and coordinated response was immediately launched by local security personnel in Egbe in collaboration with troops of the Nigerian Army, who mobilised to track the assailants and recover the victims.

The rescue operation was described by officials as highly coordinated, with joint efforts focusing on rapid search-and-response tactics that ultimately led to the safe release of both victims.

Residents had earlier reported that the attack caused widespread fear, with many fleeing their homes as gunmen stormed the community under the cover of evening darkness.

Security officials confirmed that the rescued woman and her baby were found unharmed following sustained pressure on the fleeing attackers, although details of the confrontation were not immediately disclosed.

The successful rescue has been welcomed as a significant relief for the Egbe community, which has faced sporadic security challenges in recent times.

Authorities have since intensified patrols in the area, with security operatives maintaining a presence to prevent further attacks and reassure residents.

Officials described the outcome as a demonstration of improved coordination between local security networks and the Nigerian Army in responding to kidnapping incidents.