By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered ₦3.8 million ransom meant for their release.
This was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Lokoja by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on Sunday in Achigili Forest along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule road by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Oguma.
“In a sustained effort to rid Kogi State of criminal activities, the troops, acting on credible intelligence on kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis, learned that relatives of the abducted victims were about to deliver ransom money on November 2,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the troops immediately launched a patrol to intercept the criminals within the forest.
“While en route to the location, the soldiers came under fire from the kidnappers. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, the troops overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds,” the statement read.
The army recovered ₦3.8 million in cash—believed to be ransom money—and rescued two victims, a man and a woman, unhurt.
“The rescued victims were immediately debriefed to assist ongoing operations, while the recovered cash was returned to them. They are currently in safe custody pending formal handover to the appropriate authorities,” Abdullahi stated.
The spokesperson reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property in Kogi and across the country.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could help track and eliminate criminal elements within their communities.
