Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lokoja, working in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, have rescued 17 kidnapped victims in Kogi State.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed that the victims, comprising 13 adults and four children, were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja when they were ambushed by kidnappers along the Obajana-Lokoja Road.
According to Abdullahi, troops at the Patrol Base in Apata swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving credible intelligence and were reinforced by the Brigade’s Quick Response Group. The soldiers pursued the kidnappers to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, where they engaged the criminals in a gun battle.
He explained that the kidnappers, overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, abandoned the victims and fled into the bush with gunshot injuries. The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilisation.
Abdullahi reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that the operation demonstrated the military’s resolve to combat banditry and other criminal activities in Kogi State.
“The Army appreciates the citizens and urges them to continue supporting the military with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations,” he said. “The successful rescue operation is a testament to the military’s dedication to combating banditry and other criminal activities in Kogi. The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens, and urges everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to appropriate authorities.”
