Soldiers Rescue Abducted Man and Woman, Retrieve ₦3.8m Ransom in Kogi Forest

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered ₦3.8 million ransom money meant for their release.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, in Lokoja.

According to Abdullahi, the victims — a man and a woman — were rescued on Sunday during an operation at Achigili Forest along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule road. The rescue mission was carried out by troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Oguma, following credible intelligence on kidnapping activities in the area and reports that relatives of the abducted persons were preparing to deliver ransom on November 2.

“Acting swiftly on the information, troops launched a patrol to intercept the criminals in Achigili Forest. On their way to the location, the soldiers came under attack from the kidnappers but responded with superior firepower,” Abdullahi said.

He explained that the exchange of gunfire forced the bandits to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds, abandoning the two captives and the ₦3.8 million ransom. The victims were rescued and debriefed to assist ongoing operations, while the recovered cash was returned to them.

Abdullahi reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Kogi State and across the country. He also urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information to aid the fight against criminal elements.