Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, have rescued five kidnapped victims in Kogi State after terrorists abandoned them while fleeing sustained military pressure during ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
In a statement Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi said the rescue was carried out on 17 June 2026 following intensified ground and air operations targeting terrorist enclaves within forested areas of the state as part of coordinated efforts to dismantle criminal networks and deny them freedom of action within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
Acting on operational directives and in continuation of a recent air interdiction mission against a known terrorist hideout, troops deployed from Forward Operating Base Oshokoshoko conducted a blocking operation along the Oshokoshoko–Adankolo axis within the Adankolo Forest.
During the operation, the troops intercepted five abducted persons who were found abandoned by their captors as the terrorists dispersed under heavy military pressure on their camps.
Preliminary assessments indicated that the victims regained their freedom after the sustained kinetic operations forced the terrorists to abandon their positions and flee deeper into the forest. The rescued individuals were immediately secured and evacuated to a safe location for medical attention and initial assessment.
They were subsequently moved to a military medical facility where they received treatment and stabilization. The victims were also debriefed to extract relevant intelligence to support ongoing operations aimed at tracking and neutralising remaining terrorist elements operating in the area. Arrangements have been made for their reunification with their families upon completion of necessary medical and administrative procedures.
The operation underscores the continued effectiveness of coordinated offensive actions by troops of the 12 Brigade against terrorist and criminal elements operating in Kogi State. It also reflects the military’s determination to sustain pressure on hostile groups until their networks and hideouts are completely dismantled.
The Commander, 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and resilience, describing the operation as evidence of the Brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property within its jurisdiction.
He assured residents of Kogi State and surrounding communities of continued aggressive operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security, while urging the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains critical to operational success.
