Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, working in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, have rescued 17 kidnapped passengers in Kogi State, dealing a major blow to bandits who attempted to terrorize travellers along the Obajana–Lokoja highway.
The incident took place on September 10, 2025, when soldiers at the Apata Patrol Base received credible intelligence about a kidnap operation at Opamaru Village. The victims, travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja, had been intercepted by armed criminals who whisked them away into the bush. On receiving the alert, the patrol team immediately reinforced with the Brigade’s Quick Response Group and mobilized to the scene.
On arrival, troops found the bus abandoned and completely empty. Without hesitation, they tracked the kidnappers’ trail through the rugged terrain until they reached Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area. There, the soldiers engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle. Outgunned and overwhelmed by the troops’ superior firepower, the criminals fled into the forest, abandoning all 17 hostages—including 13 adults and four children.
The rescued victims were quickly evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization. Army authorities confirmed that several of the fleeing kidnappers sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange and are currently being pursued to ensure they do not regroup.
Reassuring residents, the Nigerian Army pledged its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kogi State and the nation at large. The public was also urged to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information to security forces.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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