Nigerian Army troopsSpecial ambush by 12 Brigade troops disrupts criminal movement along Oshokoshoko–Obajana corridor as search operations intensify across the state
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have successfully repelled a bandit group and rescued a kidnapped victim during a coordinated early-morning operation around the Oshokoshoko and Obajana axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of 25 November 2025, followed credible intelligence indicating that armed bandits were moving across the Oshokoshoko–Obajana corridor with abducted persons. Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for the Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdulahi, disclosed that troops at the Kabba Patrol Base, working in synergy with hybrid security elements, immediately launched a carefully planned ambush to block the criminals’ route.
According to Abdulahi, the troops maintained a concealed position until contact was made with the armed group, which was reportedly moving with several fighters. The bandits opened fire upon sighting the soldiers, but the troops responded with overwhelming firepower, forcing the criminals to retreat in disarray. One bandit was neutralised during the exchange, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and the rescue of a kidnapped victim found in a weakened and distressed state. The individual was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for urgent care.
Security forces have since commenced further pursuit and exploitation operations to track down fleeing members of the criminal gang and dismantle their escape routes. The Army assured residents that the ongoing pressure on criminal networks will be sustained until safety is fully restored across the state.
Lieutenant Abdulahi urged communities to remain confident in the ongoing counter-crime efforts and continue providing actionable information that can assist security agencies in responding swiftly to threats.
This development comes amid a series of recent successful interventions by the 12 Brigade. Earlier, on November 2, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Oguma rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered ransom money that had been arranged for their release. These operations reflect the growing momentum of the military’s campaign against banditry, kidnapping, and other armed crimes within the state.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that communities in Kogi remain safe, highlighting ongoing collaboration with local stakeholders and other security formations to strengthen intelligence gathering and protect residents from criminal activities.
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