Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma, have successfully rescued two kidnapping victims and recovered a ransom of ₦3.8 million in an operation targeting criminal activity in Kogi State.

The operation, conducted on November 2, 2025, followed credible intelligence about kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis and reports that relatives of the victims were attempting to deliver ransom payments.

Soldiers launched a patrol into Achigili Forest to intercept the suspects. During the operation, the troops came under fire from the kidnappers. In the ensuing confrontation, the soldiers engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the victims and the ransom money before fleeing into the forest with gunshot injuries.

A statement by Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 12 Brigade, confirmed that the rescued victims were debriefed to support further operations, while the recovered cash was returned to the victims. They are currently in safe custody pending handover to the relevant authorities.

“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its determination to protect lives and property,” the statement said. “Members of the public are urged to continue providing timely and credible information to assist in combating criminal elements in the state.”