Army Thwarts Ambush In Kogi, Rescues Kidnap Victim, Pursues Fleeing Bandits

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have foiled a deadly ambush by armed bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim in a coordinated security operation along the Oshokoshoko–Obajana corridor in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. 

The operation is part of ongoing intensified efforts to stamp out banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in a statement. 

He said the troops moved into action in the early hours of 25 November 2025 after receiving credible intelligence indicating that bandits were moving through the area with abducted persons.

Troops deployed from the Kabba Patrol Base, operating jointly with hybrid security forces, laid a special ambush to intercept the armed criminals. 

Contact was made shortly after, as the bandits—believed to be travelling with an unspecified number of fighters—opened fire on the soldiers.

The troops responded with superior firepower, overwhelming the attackers and forcing them to flee in disarray.

During the confrontation, one bandit was neutralised, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. 

The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and the rescue of one kidnapped victim, who was found in a weakened and distressed condition. The individual was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

Lieutenant Abdullahi noted that troops have launched further exploitation and pursuit missions aimed at tracking down the fleeing bandits and dismantling the criminal network behind the ambush.

Reaffirming its commitment to restoring peace across Kogi State, the Nigerian Army urged residents to continue supporting security forces with timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations and strengthen the fight against crime.

Linus Aleke