Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered ₦3.8 million paid as ransom during a coordinated operation in Kogi State.
The operation, according to a statement on the Army’s official Facebook page, was executed by troops of the 12 Brigade attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Oguma.
The statement, signed by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, said the troops acted on credible intelligence on kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis.
It was gathered that the soldiers intercepted the kidnappers on November 2 while they were expecting relatives of some victims who were reportedly on their way to deliver ransom for their release.
“Troops acted swiftly on the information and projected a patrol to Achigili Forest to intercept the bandits,” the statement read.
However, on approaching the location, the troops reportedly came under attack from the kidnappers. “In the ensuing exchange, the gallant soldiers engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon two victims along with the ransom money,” the Army added.
The statement further disclosed that the hoodlums fled into the forest with gunshot wounds, while the troops rescued the victims and recovered ₦3,800,000 intended as ransom.
The Army said the rescued victims were debriefed to assist ongoing investigations, and the recovered money was returned to them.
They are currently in safe custody pending formal handover to relevant authorities.
Lieutenant Abdullahi reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to support security agencies with credible information to combat criminal activities in the state.