By Bavoriat Clara
Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, in a joint operation with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, have rescued 17 kidnapped victims, comprising 13 adults and 4 children, in Kogi State.
In a statement, the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, said the rescue followed a kidnap incident on 10 September 2025, when gunmen intercepted a 17-seater bus conveying passengers from Osun State to Abuja at Opamaru Village along the Obajana–Lokoja Road.
He explained that on receiving credible intelligence, troops deployed at Patrol Base Apata swiftly responded, supported by the Brigade’s Quick Response Group.
On reaching the scene, the soldiers found the abandoned vehicle and, employing field craft, tracked the kidnappers’ trail to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area.
According to him, the troops engaged the criminals in a brief confrontation, forcing them to flee into the bush with gunshot wounds and abandon all 17 hostages.
The rescued passengers were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to protect lives and property while urging the public to continue supporting ongoing operations with timely and credible information.
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