Troops of the 12 Brigade under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army have foiled a planned kidnapping operation and neutralised a suspected terrorist during a successful ambush operation in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to the military, the operation was carried out on Friday following credible intelligence reports indicating that a group of terrorists was planning to conduct kidnapping activities within the Jakura II Community.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops deployed to a suspected terrorist crossing point along the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road, where they laid an ambush to intercept the criminal elements.
This was contained in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, on Saturday night.
The troops reportedly made contact with the terrorists during the operation and engaged them in a firefight. One suspected terrorist was neutralised, while other members of the group fled the scene, reportedly sustaining gunshot wounds.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bandolier, and several mobile phones.
The military noted that the recovered items further confirmed the group’s involvement in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area.
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The Nigerian Army stated that the operation underscores the commitment of troops of the 12 Brigade to sustaining offensive actions against terrorists and criminal gangs threatening the safety and security of residents. Troops have continued exploitation operations in the area to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism, and combat effectiveness during the operation.
He reiterated the Brigade’s resolve to maintain pressure on terrorist and criminal groups operating within its area of responsibility.
Brigadier General Sidi also called on residents to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies, emphasising that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-kidnapping operations.
The operation forms part of ongoing military efforts to enhance security and deny criminal elements freedom of movement across Kogi State and adjoining areas.
