In a major breakthrough against banditry in Kogi State, troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, working with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, have rescued 17 kidnapped victims, including four children.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, the operation took place on Wednesday, following the credible intelligence of a kidnap incident at Opamaru Village along the Obajana–Lokoja Road.

The victims, who were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja, were ambushed by suspected kidnappers. On receiving the alert, troops from the Apata Patrol Base, reinforced by the Brigade’s Quick Response Group, swiftly mobilized to the scene.

On arrival, the soldiers found the abandoned bus and immediately tracked the kidnappers to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area.

The troops engaged the criminals, who, overwhelmed by superior firepower, abandoned their captives and fled with gunshot injuries.

All 17 victims were safely rescued and taken to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging the public to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information.