The Nigerian army announced on Thursday the successful rescue of seven children and two adults who were held captive following a kidnapping from an unregistered orphanage in central Kogi state last month.

In late April, gunmen raided the orphanage, seizing 23 individuals, with most being quickly released, leaving seven missing.

The army stated that its troops undertook sustained search and rescue efforts, resulting in the liberation of five boys, two girls, and two adult females, believed to be the wives of the orphanage's proprietor.

The orphanage had been operating without proper registration or authorization from state authorities.

Kogi’s information commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, highlighted that the establishment was located in a remote, unauthorized area.

Nigeria faces numerous conflicts, including insurgencies, gang activities, and separatist movements.

North-central Nigeria has seen recent violent attacks on schools and other institutions, some attributed to militant groups.

The incident draws attention to the recurring issue of mass kidnappings by gangs in search of ransom, particularly targeting underprivileged areas with limited government presence.

The Nigerian army's intervention marks a significant response to these threats and aims to mitigate such security breaches.