Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, have rescued 17 kidnapped victims in Kogi State.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, the victims — comprising 13 adults and four children — were abducted while traveling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja.
The abduction occurred along the Obajana-Lokoja Road.
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops deployed at Patrol Base Apata quickly mobilised to the scene, reinforced by the Brigade Quick Response Group (QRG),” Abdullahi said.
The soldiers reportedly tracked the kidnappers to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, where a gun battle ensued.
Outgunned, the kidnappers abandoned the hostages and fled into the bush with gunshot wounds.
All rescued victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilisation.
Lt. Abdullahi reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to support ongoing military operations with timely and credible information.
“The successful rescue operation is a testament to the military’s dedication to combating banditry and other criminal activities in Kogi,” he added. “The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens and urges everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.”
