Troops of 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered ₦3.8 million ransom in Kogi state.
The operation was carried out on November 2, following credible intelligence on kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis.
According to the army, the rescue mission was launched after reports indicated that relatives of some abducted persons were attempting to deliver ransom to secure their release.
Troops from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Oguma swiftly moved to intercept the bandits in Achigili Forest.
However, while en route to the area, the soldiers came under attack from the kidnappers.
In a statement on Sunday, Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 12 Brigade, said the troops responded with “superior firepower,” forcing the gunmen to flee into the forest with gunshot wounds.
He said the soldiers successfully rescued two victims and recovered the ransom money left behind by the fleeing bandits.
Abdullahi said: “The troops rescued the victims and recovered the sum of ₦3,800,000 intended for ransom payment.
“The rescued victims were immediately debriefed to aid further operations, while the recovered cash was handed back to them. They are currently in safe custody pending handover to the appropriate authorities.”