Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Lokoja, have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered a sum of ₦3.8 million in ransom money intended for their release. The rescue operation took place on Sunday in Achigili Forest along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule road, following a tip-off about the criminal activities of a bandit group operating in the area.
The Brigade Spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed the operation’s success in a statement issued on Monday in Lokoja. According to Abdullahi, the victims—a male and female—were held by the criminals in the dense forest. Following credible intelligence about ongoing ransom negotiations, the Nigerian Army launched a targeted operation to intercept the criminals.
“Troops acted swiftly on the information and projected a patrol to Achigili Forest,” Abdullahi said, adding that the bandits fired at the troops as they closed in on the location. In the ensuing gunfight, the soldiers displayed superior firepower, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the victims, along with the ransom.
The criminals, wounded from the encounter, fled into the forest, leaving behind the two hostages and the ₦3.8 million ransom. The rescued individuals were immediately debriefed to assist in further operations, while the recovered cash was handed back to the victims.
The Army spokesperson reassured the public that the Nigerian Army remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and property in the region.
“We urge citizens to continue providing credible information that will support our operations and help eliminate criminal elements from Kogi State,” Abdullahi added.
The rescued victims are now under the protection of the Nigerian Army, awaiting transfer to the appropriate authorities.
