Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered ₦3.8 million ransom during a successful counter–kidnapping operation in Kogi State. The operation, carried out by soldiers attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Oguma, underscores the army’s renewed commitment to tackling rising cases of abduction and banditry in the North-Central region.
According to the Army’s statement issued on Monday, November 3, 2025, the rescue followed credible intelligence about the movement of kidnappers who had abducted their victims along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis of the state. Acting swiftly on the information, the troops launched a coordinated patrol into the Achigili Forest, where the criminals were believed to be holding their captives and awaiting ransom delivery.
During the operation, the soldiers encountered heavy resistance as the kidnappers opened fire to repel the troops. A fierce gun duel ensued, but the army personnel overpowered the armed criminals, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the forest with gunshot wounds. The troops immediately secured the area, rescuing the victims — one male and one female — who were later confirmed to be in stable condition.
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Further searches within the scene led to the recovery of ₦3.8 million cash, believed to be ransom money that had been paid for the victims’ release. The army noted that the successful interception of the ransom payment was a major victory against the kidnapping business, as it disrupted the financial lifeline of the criminal gang operating in that axis. The recovered money has since been returned to the victims, and the forest area is now being combed for the fleeing suspects.
The Spokesperson for the 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, confirmed the operation in a statement, describing it as part of the Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts to rid Kogi and neighboring states of criminal elements. He praised the troops for their courage, professionalism, and quick response that prevented the payment of ransom and ensured the victims’ safe rescue without loss of life.
The statement further called on members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid military operations. Abdullahi emphasized that community vigilance and intelligence sharing remain crucial to eliminating kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes across the state. He also urged citizens to avoid direct negotiation with kidnappers, noting that collaboration with security forces offers a higher chance of safe rescue.
The rescued victims have since been debriefed and placed in safe custody pending their formal handover to the appropriate authorities. Meanwhile, security sources confirmed that a manhunt is ongoing for the escaping kidnappers, who are believed to be hiding in the dense forests bordering Dekina and Ofu Local Government Areas. Troops have reportedly intensified patrols and surveillance to prevent further incidents in the region.
This latest success adds to a series of breakthroughs recorded by the Nigerian Army in recent months as part of its nationwide anti-kidnapping campaign. It also sends a strong warning to criminal gangs that the era of easy ransom collection is coming to an end. Residents of Kogi and neighboring states have applauded the troops for their bravery, describing the operation as a morale booster for communities long terrorized by kidnappers along forested routes.
