Nigerian Army Rescues Two Kidnap Victims, Recovers ₦3.8 Million Ransom in Kogi

Nigerian Army Rescues Two Kidnap Victims, Recovers ₦3.8 Million Ransom in Kogi.

A swift military operation in Kogi State over the weekend led to the rescue of two individuals held by kidnappers and the recovery of a ₦3.8 million ransom payment meant for their release.

The successful mission was carried out on Saturday by soldiers from the Forward Operating Base in Oguma, according to a statement from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army.

Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, said the troops acted on specific information about kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule road. The intelligence also indicated that family members of the victims were attempting to deliver a ransom to the criminals.

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Acting quickly on the tip, the soldiers moved towards the Achigili Forest area with the goal of intercepting the suspected kidnappers.

Their patrol, however, was met with gunfire from the bandits. The military personnel returned fire, engaging the assailants in a shootout. The army’s response was said to have overpowered the group, forcing them to flee deep into the forest. The officials reported that the fleeing criminals likely sustained gunshot injuries.

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In their hurried escape, the kidnappers left behind the two hostages and the cash intended for their release.

“Following the encounter, the troops rescued the victims and recovered the sum of ₦3,800,000 intended for ransom payment,” the army’s statement confirmed. “The rescued victims were immediately debriefed to aid further operations, while the recovered cash was handed back to them.”

The two individuals are now in a safe location and will be formally released to the proper authorities.

The Nigerian Army used the opportunity to reassure the public of its dedication to safeguarding citizens and their property. It also repeated its call for community support, asking people to continue providing timely and useful information to help security forces tackle criminal elements in the state.