Army Rescue 17 Kidnap Victims in Kogi State
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 17 kidnapped passengers, including four children, during a clearance operation in Kogi State.
The rescue was carried out on Wednesday, September 10, by personnel of the 12 Brigade in Lokoja, who were supported by Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the victims were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja when gunmen intercepted them at Opamaru Village along the Obajana–Lokoja Road.
Troops deployed at the Apata Patrol Base reportedly received credible intelligence about the abduction and immediately mobilized, with reinforcements from the Brigade’s Quick Response Group (QRG).
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“On arrival, the troops discovered the bus abandoned by the roadside. Employing field craft, the soldiers trailed the kidnappers’ footprints to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, where they engaged the criminals,” Abdullahi said.
He added that the kidnappers were forced to abandon their captives after being overpowered by the soldiers’ superior firepower. The gunmen fled into the bush with gunshot wounds, leaving behind all 17 hostages.
The rescued victims, comprising 13 adults and four children, were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization.
The Nigerian Army assured the public of its resolve to continue safeguarding lives and property while urging citizens to support ongoing operations by providing timely information.
By PRNigeria
