Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army successfully intercepted a bandit ambush and rescued a kidnapped individual during a coordinated security operation in Kogi State, the military announced on Tuesday.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of November 25, took place along the Oshokoshoko–Obajana corridor in Lokoja Local Government Area, a route increasingly exploited by criminal gangs for abductions and illicit transit.
In a statement, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 12 Brigade, explained that credible intelligence indicated a gang moving through the corridor with abducted persons. Troops from Kabba Patrol Base, in collaboration with other hybrid forces, were deployed to intercept the group.
“When troops made contact, the bandits opened fire but were swiftly overpowered,” Abdullahi said. “The criminals faced superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray.”
The army confirmed that one bandit was killed, while others sustained gunshot wounds while fleeing. During a follow-up search, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle and successfully rescued the kidnapped victim, who was found in a weakened and distressed state and immediately taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Pursuit operations are ongoing to track and apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to sustained operations against criminal networks in Kogi State and urged residents to provide timely and actionable intelligence to support security efforts and protect communities.
