The Nigerian army announced on Thursday the successful rescue of seven children and two adults who were the remaining victims of a mass kidnapping from an unregistered orphanage in Kogi state last month. The raid, which occurred in late April, initially saw 23 children and several adults abducted by gunmen. While most were freed quickly, seven children and two adult females, identified as the wives of the orphanage's proprietor, were held until sustained search and rescue efforts by the army secured their release. This incident highlights the escalating problem of mass kidnappings for ransom, a prevalent tactic used by criminal gangs in areas with limited governmental oversight across Nigeria.