Troops of the 12 Brigade, under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, have successfully foiled a planned kidnap operation and neutralized one suspected terrorist during a coordinated ambush in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation, carried out on 30 May 2026, followed credible intelligence indicating that armed criminals were planning to abduct residents of Jakura II community along the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road axis.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, the troops deployed to strategic positions along the suspected movement route and mounted an ambush to intercept the attackers.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lokoja, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the troops made contact with the armed group and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralized during the encounter, while other members of the gang reportedly fled the scene with suspected gunshot injuries.
Following the operation, troops conducted a follow-up search of the area and recovered weapons and ammunition.
Items recovered include:
One AK-47 rifle
Five magazines
70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
One bandolier
Mobile phones
Security sources said the recovered items further confirmed the group’s involvement in kidnapping and armed criminal activities within the area.
The Nigerian Army said further exploitation of the surrounding forests and communities is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle their network.
The Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and operational efficiency. He also reassured residents of continued military pressure on criminal groups operating in Kogi State and its environs.
