Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have thwarted an ambush by armed bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim during a coordinated operation around Oshokoshoko and Obajana in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a statement, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi said the operation, carried out in the early hours of 25 November 2025, followed credible intelligence indicating that bandits were moving abducted persons through the Oshokoshoko–Obajana corridor. Soldiers deployed from the Kabba Patrol Base, working with other hybrid security forces, launched a special ambush to intercept the criminals.
Upon contact, the bandits opened fire but were overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray. One bandit was neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Troops recovered an AK-47 rifle at the scene and successfully rescued one kidnapped victim, who was found weak and distressed. The rescued person was immediately taken to a medical facility for treatment. Pursuit operations are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and enhancing security across Kogi State. It urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information to strengthen the fight against crime.
