On 2 November 2025, troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating from the Forward Operating Base at Oguma, foiled a kidnapping in Kogi State. Acting on credible intelligence of abductions and ransom negotiations along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule corridor, the soldiers mounted a patrol toward Achigili Forest to intercept the bandits.
While moving to the target area, the troops were ambushed and exchanged fire with the criminals. Their superior firepower forced the bandits to abandon two victims and the ransom money, after which the gunmen fled into the forest, many with gunshot wounds. The army rescued the two kidnapped individuals and recovered ₦3.8 million that the victims’ relatives had intended to pay for their release.
The rescued victims were promptly debriefed to support further operations, and the recovered cash was returned to them. They are currently being held in safe custody pending handover to the appropriate authorities. Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 12 Brigade, emphasized the army’s steadfast commitment to protecting lives and property.
The Nigerian Army urged the public to keep providing timely, credible information to aid the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the state. The operation underscores the military’s resolve to dismantle kidnapping networks and restore security in Kogi
