Pjoto credit : Nigeria Army (x)
Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered the ransom money meant for their release in a sustained effort to rid Kogi State of criminal activities.
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, issued a press statement announcing that an operation was carried out on 2 November 2025, following credible intelligence on kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis, as well as reports of relatives of some of the victims attempting to deliver ransom to secure their release.
Acting swiftly on the information, troops projected a patrol to Achigili Forest to intercept the bandits. However, while en route to the location, the troops came under fire from the criminals. In the ensuing exchange, the gallant soldiers utilized superior firepower to engage the bandits, forcing them to abandon two victims along with the ransom money. The criminals subsequently fled into the forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds.
“Following the encounter, the troops rescued the victims and recovered the sum of ₦3,800,000 (three million, eight hundred thousand naira) intended for ransom payment. The rescued victims were immediately debriefed to aid further operations, while the recovered cash was handed back to them. They are currently in safe custody at the troops’ location pending handover to the appropriate authorities”.
According to Abdullahi, the Nigerian Army remains resolute and unwavering in its determination to protect lives and property. As such, the public is encouraged to maintain its support for the military and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid in combating criminal elements within the state.
