Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled an armed bandit attack and rescued a kidnapped victim during an operation around Oshokoshoko and Obajana in Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Lieutenant Hassan Abdulahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state.
Abdulahi explained that on November 25, 2025, the troops received credible intelligence regarding bandits moving through the Oshokoshoko–Obajana corridor with abducted persons.
Acting on the information, soldiers deployed at the Kabba Patrol Base, working alongside other hybrid forces, laid an ambush to intercept the criminals.
“The bandits opened fire but were met with superior firepower from the troops, forcing them to withdraw in disorder. During the encounter, one bandit was neutralised while others fled with varying degrees of gunshot injuries,” Abdulahi said.
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The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and the safe rescue of a kidnapped victim, who was found weak and distressed and immediately evacuated to a medical facility for care.
Abdulahi added that further pursuit operations were ongoing to track fleeing members of the criminal gang. “The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in sustaining pressure on criminal groups and ensuring that communities across Kogi State are safe and secure. Residents are encouraged to support security agencies with useful information to enhance prompt response,” he stated.
The 12 Brigade has been actively involved in countering banditry in Kogi State. On November 2, soldiers from the Forward Operating Base in Oguma successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered the ransom money meant for their release.