Troops have rescued six kidnapped victims in a joint operation in Kogi State’s Obajana area.
The abductees, including a community leader, were freed after soldiers overpowered their captors.
Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, working alongside other security agencies, have freed six people from captivity in Obajana, Kogi State, following a joint operation.
The rescue took place in the early hours of Thursday, 14 August 2025, after credible intelligence revealed the location of the abductees. According to Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the troops swiftly moved into action, tracking the kidnappers to a forest hideout.
On arrival, the security team engaged the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to flee with gunshot injuries and abandon their hostages. The operation also led to the recovery of ammunition and other items left behind by the fleeing gang.
Investigations showed that four of the rescued individuals were seized on 12 August in Asinwe community, Okehi Local Government Area, while the remaining two had been kidnapped on 28 July in Apata community, Lokoja. Among those freed was the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe, Mallam Adamu Zage, who had been taken from his home.
Commander of the 12 Brigade and Force Commander, Operation Accord III, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, represented by the Commanding Officer of 126 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Nwoffiah, praised the professionalism of the joint team and warned kidnappers and bandits in Kogi and surrounding areas to abandon their activities or face decisive military action.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to increasing security operations across Kogi and neighboring states to prevent criminal elements from finding refuge.
The four male and two female victims expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and partner agencies for their timely rescue. Speaking on behalf of the group, Mallam Zage thanked God for their safety and prayed for continued success in the military’s operations.
The freed captives have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for medical checks.
