November 03, (THEWILL) — In a renewed push against banditry in Kogi State, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered a ransom sum of N3.8 million during a special operation along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis.
The military confirmed the successful mission in a statement made available to THEWILL by its Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi.
According to Abdullahi, the rescue operation was executed on Sunday, November 2, 2025, after troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB), Oguma, received credible intelligence on the movement of relatives attempting to deliver ransom funds to secure the release of abducted persons in the area. The information prompted the troops to launch a swift response.
Acting on the tip-off, the soldiers advanced towards Achigili Forest, where the bandits were reportedly holding the victims. However, while en route, the troops came under heavy fire from the criminals, triggering a fierce gun battle in the thick forest terrain.
The Army noted that the soldiers responded with “superior firepower”, overwhelming the armed criminals and forcing them to flee in disarray. In the heat of the confrontation, the bandits abandoned the two victims and the ransom money before escaping with suspected gunshot wounds.
Following the encounter, the troops successfully evacuated the rescued victims from the scene and secured the cash recovered from the criminals.
Preliminary checks confirmed that the sum of N3,800,000, intended as ransom, was recovered intact and later returned to the victims.
The rescued individuals were subsequently debriefed by military personnel to obtain relevant information that could aid further operations against criminal elements in the area. Officials said the victims are currently safe at the military base and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities shortly.
The Army described the operation as another milestone in ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and violent crimes across Kogi State, a region that has recently witnessed increased anti-banditry deployments by security agencies.
Reiterating its commitment to protecting lives and property, the military assured residents that similar offensive operations would continue until criminal networks are completely dismantled and peace is fully restored in affected communities.
The statement also called on citizens to remain vigilant and assist security forces by volunteering timely and reliable intelligence, adding that public cooperation remains vital in eliminating criminal sanctuaries and escape routes.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute and unwavering in its determination to protect lives and property”, Abdullahi said, urging residents to strengthen collaboration with security agencies as part of collective efforts to defeat criminality in the state.
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