A sustained military efforts within Kogi State axis by troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered the money met for the payment as ransom.
Disclosing the triumph over the criminal gangs, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi said that the operation took place on Sunday, 2nd November 2025, following credible intelligence.
It was learnt that the 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.
As a result, the troops acted swiftly on the information and 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 engaged the bandits with superior firepower, 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.
Lt Abdullahi further added that the Nigerian Army remains resolute and unwavering in its determination to protect lives and property.
Therefore, he called on the members of the public to continually support the military and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid in the fight against criminal elements within the state.
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