Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, 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.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, followed credible intelligence indicating that bandits were moving abducted persons across the Oshokoshoko–Obajana corridor.

The update was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

Acting on the information, troops from the Kabba Patrol Base, working with other hybrid security forces, launched a special ambush mission to intercept the criminals.

According to the statement, the soldiers made contact with the bandits, who opened fire but were overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, forcing them to flee.

“One bandit was neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.”

 

According to the Army, the operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and the rescue of a kidnapped victim, who was immediately taken to a medical facility after being found weak and distressed.

The Army further assured that pursuit operations are ongoing to track the fleeing criminals.

The Army reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal groups and ensuring the safety of communities across Kogi State.

It also urged residents to provide timely and useful information to support ongoing security efforts.