Nigerian Soldiers Rescue 17 Kidnapped Victims In Kogi (Photos)

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 17 kidnapped victims in Kogi State.

Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, made this known in a statement on Thursday, September 10, 2025. 
 
According to the statement, the victims, who were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja, were intercepted by the gunmen before troops swiftly intervened.
 
“In a sustained effort to get rid of banditry and other criminal activities in Kogi State, gallant troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and Local Vigilante have successfully rescued 17 kidnapped victims, including 13 adults and 4 children,” the statement read.
 
"The incident occurred on 10 September 2025, when troops deployed at Patrol Base Apata received credible intelligence of a kidnap incident at Opamaru Village along Obajana–Lokoja Road. 
 
"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.
 
"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, 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 Nigerian Army reassures the general public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging citizens to continue to support the military with timely information to aid ongoing operations.”