Troops Rescue 17 Kidnap Victims in Kogi State

Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 17 kidnapped victims, including 13 adults and 4 children, during a coordinated operation in Kogi State.

The rescue followed a kidnap incident on 10 September 2025 at Opamaru Village along the Obajana–Lokoja Road. The victims, who were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja, were abducted by armed criminals before the intervention of troops.

According to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, soldiers at Patrol Base Apata received credible intelligence and immediately mobilised, supported by the Brigade Quick Response Group, Hybrid Forces, and local vigilantes.

On reaching the scene, the troops found the bus abandoned and empty. They trailed the kidnappers’ footprints to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, where they engaged the criminals in a firefight. Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the kidnappers fled with gunshot wounds, abandoning all 17 hostages.

The victims were evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilisation.

The Nigerian Army assured the public of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property, while urging residents to provide timely information that could aid security operations.