Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, have successfully rescued 17 kidnapped passengers in Kogi State.
The Brigade’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday. He explained that the rescued victims comprised 13 adults and four children.
According to Abdullahi, the victims were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja when they were ambushed by kidnappers along the Obajana–Lokoja Road.
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“Acting on credible intelligence, troops deployed at Patrol Base Apata swiftly mobilised to the scene, supported by the Brigade’s Quick Response Group (QRG).
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“The soldiers pursued the kidnappers to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, where they engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle.
“Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and escaped into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Abdullahi stated.
He added that the rescued passengers were immediately taken to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid treatment and stabilisation.
Reassuring residents of the Army’s determination to protect lives and property, Abdullahi called on citizens to remain vigilant and provide timely intelligence to security agencies.
“The Nigerian Army appreciates the cooperation of citizens and urges them to continue supporting ongoing operations with credible information.
“The successful rescue operation is a clear demonstration of the military’s resolve to tackle banditry and criminality in Kogi State. The Army remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and encourages the public to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities,” he added.
