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Troops of the 12 Brigade, under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, have foiled a planned kidnapping operation in Kogi State and neutralised one suspected terrorist during an ambush in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The operation, which took place on May 30, 2026, followed intelligence reports indicating that armed groups were planning abductions around the Jakura II community, according to a statement issued late Saturday by Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Hassan Abdulahi.
TROOPS FOIL KIDNAP ATTEMPT, NEUTRALIZE TERRORIST, RECOVER WEAPON IN KOGI STATE
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… pic.twitter.com/ske5TaWGw7
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) May 30, 2026
He said troops were quickly deployed to a suspected crossing point along the Old Obajana-Tajimi Road, where they mounted an ambush targeting the attackers.
According to the statement, troops made contact with the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun duel, during which one of the attackers was killed, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
Following the operation, security personnel recovered an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a bandolier, and mobile phones believed to have been used by the suspects.
“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 neutralised while other members of the criminal group fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.” Abdulahi said.
“The recovered items further corroborate the involvement of the criminal elements in kidnapping activities within the general area” he noted.
Abdulahi said the recovered items confirmed the group’s involvement in kidnapping activities within the area, adding that follow-up operations were underway to track down fleeing members of the gang.
The Army described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on criminal groups operating in the region.
Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their performance and urged continued vigilance, while calling on residents to provide timely intelligence to support security operations.
