Troops of the Nigerian Army have thwarted a planned kidnapping operation in Kogi State, killing a suspected terrorist and recovering an AK-47 rifle along with ammunition during a targeted operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Abdullahi Ibrahim, confirmed this in a statement issued on Saturday.
Lt. Ibrahim said the operation, conducted by personnel of the 12 Brigade under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, followed intelligence reports indicating that armed criminals were preparing to launch an attack around Jakura II community.
According to him, the troops acting on the information, deployed to strategic positions along the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road, an area security agencies have identified as a route frequently used by criminal elements operating within the axis.
He isclosed that the troops encountered the suspected kidnappers while on the operation, leading to a fierce gun battle.
He said during the exchange of fire, one of the suspects was killed, while several others reportedly escaped into nearby bushes with gunshot wounds.
He added that a subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bandolier and multiple mobile phones believed to belong to members of the criminal group.
The military spokesman said the items recovered from the scene further highlight the activities of armed groups operating along the corridor, which has recorded a number of security incidents in recent times.
The Army has since intensified search operations in surrounding communities and adjoining forests in a bid to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the network behind the planned attack.
Commending the troops for their performance, the Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised the personnel for their professionalism and swift response to intelligence.
He also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent criminal activities.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining ongoing operations in the area to deny kidnappers and other criminal elements the freedom to operate and threaten law-abiding citizens.
