Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja, Kogi with the victim rescued from kidnappers
By OJOMA PETER, Lokoja –
Troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Lokoja have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered a ₦3.8 million ransom that had been set aside for their release.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Monday in Lokoja by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi.
According to Lt. Abdullahi, the rescue mission took place on Sunday inside the Achigili Forest along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule road, where troops attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma were deployed.
> “In a sustained effort to rid Kogi of criminal activities, troops acted on credible intelligence about kidnapping incidents along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis,” Abdullahi said. “Information also indicated that relatives of the abducted victims were attempting to deliver ransom money to secure their release on November 2.”
Responding swiftly, the troops launched a patrol operation towards the forest area to intercept the kidnappers. However, they came under heavy gunfire from the criminals.
> “In the ensuing exchange, our gallant soldiers responded with superior firepower, compelling the bandits to flee the scene,” Abdullahi explained. “They abandoned the two captives and the ransom money as they escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.”
The troops safely recovered the ₦3.8 million ransom and rescued the male and female victims unharmed. Both victims were immediately debriefed to assist further investigations, and the recovered money was returned to them.
They are currently being kept in safe custody pending their official handover to the appropriate authorities.
Lt. Abdullahi reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kogi State and beyond.
> “The Nigerian Army remains resolute and unwavering in its determination to protect citizens from criminal elements,” he said, urging residents to continue providing credible and timely information that could aid security operations.
