KOGI STATE, NIGERIA
Kogi State witnessed a successful counter-kidnapping operation on November 2, 2025, as troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered the sum of ₦3,800,000 (three million, eight hundred thousand naira) intended for the ransom payment.
The rescue operation was conducted by troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma, who acted on credible intelligence regarding kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis. The intelligence also indicated that relatives were attempting to deliver ransom to secure the victims’ release.
Troops swiftly projected a patrol to the Achigili Forest to intercept the criminals. According to the press release by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, while en route, the patrol came under fire from the bandits. The soldiers responded with superior firepower, a fierce exchange that ultimately forced the criminals to abandon the two victims and the ransom money. The bandits reportedly fled into the forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds.
Following the encounter, the troops rescued the two victims and recovered money intended for the ransom payment, which was subsequently handed back to the victims.
The rescued individuals were immediately debriefed to aid in further operations and are currently in safe custody at the troops’ location, pending handover to the appropriate authorities.
In the statement, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its “resolute and unwavering” commitment to protecting lives and property. Members of the public are urged to continually support the military and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information to combat criminal elements within the state.
