Troops rescue 17 kidnap victims in Kogi

In a major breakthrough against insecurity, troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, working alongside Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, have rescued 17 kidnap victims in Kogi State.

According to a report by security analyst Zagozola Makama, the operation took place on September 10, 2025, after troops stationed at Patrol Base Apata received credible intelligence about a kidnapping incident at Opamaru Village, along the busy Obajana–Lokoja Road.

The swift response by the combined forces led to the safe rescue of 13 adults and four children, who had been taken hostage by suspected criminals.

The victims, who were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State and headed for Abuja, were intercepted by the criminals before troops swiftly intervened. Without delay, the patrol base reinforced by the Brigade Quick Response Group (QRG) immediately mobilized to the scene.

It was gathered that on arrival, the troops discovered a 17-seater bus abandoned by the roadside, completely empty. Employing field craft, the soldiers swiftly trailed the kidnappers’ footprints to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, near Okene, where the troops came in contact with the criminals.

“Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the criminals abandoned all 17 kidnapped passengers and fled into the bush with various degrees of gunshot injuries. The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization,” the report said.