In a daring late-night operation, gallant troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, have rescued 17 kidnapped passengers along the ever-busy Obajana–Lokoja Road in Kogi State.
The rescue, which took place on Wednesday, followed credible intelligence of an abduction at Opamaru Village. According to military sources, the victims – 13 adults and four children were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State en route to Abuja when armed criminals struck.
“Our troops responded swiftly. On arrival at the scene, the bus was found abandoned. We immediately trailed the kidnappers’ footprints into the bush, where contact was established,” said Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade.
Reinforced by the Brigade’s Quick Response Group, the soldiers stormed Wuro Village in Adavi LGA where the kidnappers had taken the victims. Outgunned and overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the bandits fled into the forest, abandoning all 17 hostages.
The rescued passengers were later evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization.
Lieutenant Abdullahi stressed the Army’s unwavering commitment to tackling banditry and protecting lives.
“The Nigerian Army will not relent until every community in Kogi and across the nation is safe. We urge citizens to continue to support ongoing operations with timely and credible information,” he stated.
The dramatic rescue once again underscores the effectiveness of synergy between the Army, local vigilantes, and community intelligence in combating insecurity.
Troops Smash Kidnap Syndicate, Rescue 17 Victims in Kogi
