The Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and Local Vigilantes, has successfully rescued 17 kidnap victims, comprising 13 adults and four children, in Kogi State.
The incident occurred on September 10, 2025, when troops at Patrol Base Apata received credible intelligence about a kidnapping at Opamaru Village along the Obajana-Lokoja Road.
A 17-seater bus carrying passengers from Osun State to Abuja was intercepted by armed men.
The patrol base, reinforced by the Brigade Quick Response Group (QRG), mobilized to the scene and trailed the kidnappers to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area.
The troops engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, overpowering them and forcing them to abandon the victims with various degrees of gunshot injuries.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging citizens to continue providing timely information to aid military operations.
This successful rescue operation demonstrates the military’s dedication to combating banditry and other criminal activities in Kogi State.