In a continued effort to combat banditry and other criminal activities in Kogi State, gallant troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, have successfully rescued 17 kidnapped victims—comprising 13 adults and 4 children.

The incident occurred on 10 September 2025, when troops stationed at Patrol Base Apata received credible intelligence regarding a kidnapping at Opamaru Village along the Obajana–Lokoja Road. The victims, who were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja, were intercepted by armed criminals. Troops responded swiftly to the alert.

Upon arrival at the scene, the soldiers found the abandoned bus by the roadside with no occupants. Using expert fieldcraft, the troops tracked the kidnappers’ footprints to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, where they made contact with the armed group.

Overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, the criminals fled into the bush, sustaining various gunshot injuries, and abandoned all 17 victims.

The rescued passengers were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization.

The Nigerian Army reiterates its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges the public to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information.

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