Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered ₦3.8 million in ransom money following a successful operation in Kogi State.
The operation, carried out by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma, took place on November 2, 2025, along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis.
According to a statement on Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the rescue mission was launched after credible intelligence revealed the movement of bandits and attempts by relatives to deliver ransom to secure the victims’ release.
Acting swiftly on the information, the troops conducted a fighting patrol towards the Achigili Forest where the bandits were believed to be holding their captives.
However, while advancing toward the location, the soldiers came under attack from the kidnappers.
In the ensuing gun duel, the troops overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the two captives and flee into the forest with gunshot wounds.
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The soldiers subsequently rescued the victims and recovered ₦3,800,000 — the ransom money intended for their release.
The rescued individuals were debriefed to assist further military operations, while the recovered cash was returned to them.
The military noted that the victims are currently in safe custody pending handover to the relevant authorities.
Lieutenant Abdullahi reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents of Kogi State to continue providing credible information that would help security agencies combat crime in the region.
