Troops foil kidnap attempt, neutralise terrorist in Kogi

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, have foiled a kidnap attempt, neutralised a suspected terrorist and recovered weapons during an operation in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operation was carried out on May 30, 2026 following credible intelligence on plans by criminal elements to carry out kidnapping activities in Jakura II Community.

According to the statement, troops swiftly deployed to the area and occupied a suspected terrorist crossing point along the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road, where they laid an ambush to intercept the criminals.

It stated that the troops made contact with the terrorists during the operation and engaged them in a firefight.

 

“Troops of 12 Brigade under 2 Division Nigerian Army have thwarted a planned kidnap operation and neutralized a terrorist during a successful ambush conducted in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State,” the statement read.

"The operation which was conducted on 30 May 2026 followed credible intelligence indicating plans by terrorists to carry out kidnapping activities within Jakura II Community. Acting on the intelligence, troops swiftly deployed and occupied a suspected terrorist crossing point along Old Obajana–Tajimi Road, where an ambush was laid to deny the criminals freedom of action.

"During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with effective fire. 

"Following the firefight, one terrorist was neutralized while other members of the criminal group fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.

"Further exploitation led to the recovery of one AK 47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one bandolier and mobile phones. 

"The recovered items further corroborate the involvement of the criminal elements in kidnapping activities within the general area.

"The successful operation demonstrates the resolve of troops of 12 Brigade to sustain offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening the security of law abiding citizens. 

"Further exploitation of the area is ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing terrorists.

"The Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi commended the troops for their vigilance, combat efficiency and commitment to duty. 

“He reassured residents of the Brigade’s determination to maintain pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies.”