Olu Samuel
Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered the ransom money meant for their release.
A statement issued on Monday by Lietinant Hassan Abdullahi
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations,12 Brigade Nigerian Army and made available to newsmen in Lokoja stated that the operation which led to the rescue of the victims took place on 2 November 2025, following credible intelligence on 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. 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.Abdulahi said
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute and unwavering in its determination to protect lives and property. Members of the public are therefore enjoined to continually support the military and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid in the fight against criminal elements within the state”. He added.
Recall that the troopof the 12 brigade of the Nigerian Army has been actively involved in a sustained onslaught kidnapping activities in various parts of Kogi state in recent times.
In October joint security agencies including the troop from the 12 brigade participated in raiding bandits camp in the outskirts of Aherin-Bunu community in Kabba-Bunu local government area of the state.
The operation was carried out by joint security forces including the Military, Police and Vigilantes led by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd) who set the entire camp on fire.
In September, similar rescue operation was recorded by the hybrid forces when troops of 12 Brigade,Ñigerian army under ‘operation Accord 111 in conjunction with other Hybrid Forces (OHF), killed a notorious bandits commander, Babangida Kachala, a second-in-command to Kachala Shuaibu, the leader of a bandit group operating within Masalaci Boka and Ofere Forest areas of Kogi State.