Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered N3.8m paid as ransom during an operation in Kogi State.
According to a statement posted on the Army’s official Facebook page, the rescue was carried out by troops of the 12 Brigade deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma.
The Army said the operation took place on November 2, 2025, after the troops received “credible intelligence on kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis” and reports that relatives of some victims were on their way to deliver ransom for their release.
“Troops acted swiftly on the information and projected a patrol to Achigili Forest to intercept the bandits,” the statement read.
However, while on their way to the location, the soldiers reportedly came under fire from the kidnappers. “In the ensuing exchange, the gallant soldiers engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon two victims along with the ransom money,” the Army said.
The statement added that the criminals fled into the forest with gunshot wounds while the troops rescued the victims and recovered N3,800,000 intended for ransom payment.
The Army noted that the rescued victims were debriefed to aid further investigations, and the recovered cash was handed back to them. They are currently in safe custody pending handover to the appropriate authorities.
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, who signed the statement, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He called on members of the public to “continually support the military and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid in the fight against criminal elements within the state.”
