Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have rescued 17 kidnapped passengers in Kogi State.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, September 10, 2025.
According to him, the victims 13 adults and 4 children were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja when gunmen intercepted them at Opamaru Village along the Obajana–Lokoja Road.
“Gallant troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, successfully rescued the kidnapped victims following credible intelligence,” Abdullahi stated.
He explained that soldiers at Patrol Base Apata quickly mobilised to the scene with support from the Brigade’s Quick Response Group. On arrival, they found the empty bus abandoned by the roadside. Using field craft, the troops trailed the kidnappers’ footprints to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, where they engaged the criminals.
“Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the kidnappers abandoned all 17 passengers and fled into the bush with gunshot injuries. The rescued victims were evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilisation,” the statement added.
The Nigerian Army urged residents to continue supporting security operations with timely information, while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Kogi State and beyond.
