Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have repelled bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim during an operation around Oshokoshoko and Obajana in the Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, said in a statement on Wednesday that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state.
Abdullahi explained that in the early hours of 25 November 2025, following credible information about bandits moving across the Oshokoshoko–Obajana corridor with abducted persons, troops deployed at the Kabba Patrol Base, working jointly with other hybrid forces, conducted a special ambush to intercept the criminals.
He said the troops waited in ambush and made contact with the armed bandits, who were moving with an unconfirmed number of fighters. The bandits opened fire but were overpowered by the troops, forcing them to flee in disorder. During the encounter, one bandit was killed while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The operation also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and the rescue of a kidnapped victim. The rescued individual, who was found weak and distressed, was immediately taken to a medical facility for further care.
Abdullahi added that follow-up operations were underway to track down the fleeing members of the criminal group. He reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and ensuring the safety of communities across Kogi State.
He encouraged residents to maintain confidence in ongoing operations and to support security agencies with useful information that could enhance rapid response and strengthen the collective fight against crime.
Meanwhile, in Makurdi, Benue State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested two herders who trespassed on community farmland at Zongo Akiki on 20 November 2025.
According to the Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Major General Moses Gara, the herders had led their cattle into cultivated fields, causing damage to crops during the peak of the harvest season. He said the swift intervention of the troops prevented further destruction and possible clashes with local farmers.
Major General Gara commended the troops for their professionalism and urged the public to avoid taking the law into their own hands, noting that violence only escalates tensions and threatens peaceful coexistence. He also called on herders to respect the law and avoid actions that disrupt peace and order.
