The Commander of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Nicholas Rume, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, handed over 22 rescued hostages to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, during a brief ceremony held at the Sobi Cantonment Medical Centre, Ilorin.

In his remarks, Brigadier General Rume expressed appreciation to Governor AbdulRazaq for his consistent support of ongoing military operations across the state. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining efforts against insecurity in Kwara and its environs, acknowledging the solid groundwork laid by his predecessor. The Commander assured that under his leadership, the Brigade would intensify operations to eliminate all criminal elements within the region.

Responding, Governor AbdulRazaq commended the Nigerian Armed Forces under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies for their dedication and collaborative efforts in protecting citizens. He praised the Army’s role in supporting internal security beyond its traditional duties, noting that the safe rescue of the hostages demonstrates the effectiveness of current military operations.

“We are glad to see the 22 rescued hostages safe and in good hands,” the Governor said. “The government will ensure their full rehabilitation. As the GOC rightly said, ‘They leave Kwara or they die.’ This is a State of Harmony, and peace is gradually returning, thanks to the dedication of our troops.”

He explained that the recent surge in security incidents was linked to intensified operations in neighboring states under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, adding that the arrest of the Mamuda group from Niger State and ongoing clearance missions have restored public confidence. The Governor further announced plans to deploy forest guards to secure cleared areas and facilitate the safe return of farmers to their communities.

Governor AbdulRazaq also commended the officers, soldiers, and medical personnel of the 22 Armoured Brigade for their professionalism and sacrifice, both within Kwara State and in the North East.

One of the rescued hostages, Pastor Obafemi J.A., speaking on behalf of the group, expressed gratitude to the Kwara State Government and the Nigerian Army for their swift intervention and care.

It will be recalled that on October 17, 2025, troops of 2 Division/Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, rescued 25 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations. The rescued individuals, who have been receiving medical care at the Sobi Cantonment Medical Centre, were among those handed over to the Kwara State Government.