In a dramatic confrontation deep within the Achigili Forest, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered a significant ransom sum of ₦3.8 million that was about to be paid to their abductors.
The operation, which took place on Sunday, was initiated after the military’s Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Oguma received credible intelligence regarding ongoing kidnapping activities along the volatile Itobe – Adumu Ejule axis. Critically, the intelligence pinpointed a planned ransom drop to secure the release of the two victims, identified only as a male and a female.
The Forest Ambush
Acting swiftly on the information, the soldiers projected a patrol to the rendezvous point in the Achigili Forest. According to a statement released by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade, the troops came under heavy fire from the criminal gang while en route.
In the ensuing gun battle, the gallant soldiers utilized superior firepower to overpower the criminals. This tactical pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the two victims and the bag containing the ransom money, as they fled into the forest with reported gunshot wounds.
The successful interception of the ransom payment, a major revenue source for these criminal gangs, and the safe recovery of the money and the victims marks a decisive blow against banditry in Kogi State. The recovered cash was immediately debriefed and returned to the families, while the rescued victims were taken into safe custody.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining security, urging the public to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to aid future operations.