Troops rescue two kidnap victims in Kogi, recover ‘N3.8m ransom’

Troops of 12 brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnap victims and recovered N3.8 million ransom in Kogi state.

In a statement on Monday, Hassan Abdullahi, acting assistant director of army public relations for the brigade, shared that the operation was carried out on Sunday by soldiers deployed in the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Oguma area of the state.

Abdullahi said the operation followed intelligence reports of kidnappings along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis.

“In a sustained effort to rid Kogi State of criminal activities, troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered the ransom money meant for their release,” the statement reads.

He noted that the troops intercepted the kidnappers in Achigili forest while responding to information that relatives of some victims were attempting to deliver ransom.

Abdullahi said the troops came under fire but overpowered the attackers during the ensuing gun battle, forcing them to abandon the two victims before fleeing with gunshot wounds.

He urged residents to continue providing credible information to support security operations in the state.

“Following the encounter, the troops rescued the victims and recovered the sum of ₦3,800,000 (three million, eight hundred thousand naira) intended for ransom payment,” Abdullahi said.

“The rescued victims were immediately debriefed to aid further operations, while the recovered cash was handed back to them.”