Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have repelled bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim during a special operation carried out around the Oshokoshoko and Obajana axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. The operation, which happened in the early hours of November 25, 2025, was part of a wider effort to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for the 12 Brigade in Lokoja, Lieutenant Hassan Abdulahi, confirmed the development on Wednesday. He explained that the troops acted on credible intelligence that a group of bandits was moving across the Oshokoshoko–Obajana corridor with abducted persons. According to him, the information prompted troops from the Kabba Patrol Base to launch a carefully planned ambush, working alongside other hybrid security forces deployed in the area.
Abdulahi said the troops set up their position in the early hours of the morning and maintained surveillance until they made contact with the armed criminals. He noted that the bandits, who were moving with an unknown number of fighters, opened fire immediately after sighting the soldiers. He added that the troops responded with what he described as superior firepower, forcing the bandits to retreat in disarray.
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the bandits was neutralised, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. The Army spokesperson said one AK-47 rifle was recovered from the scene. He also confirmed that one kidnapped victim was rescued during the operation. According to him, the victim was found weak, shaken and in distress, but was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment and further evaluation.
Abdulahi stated that troops of the 12 Brigade and other supporting forces are still carrying out pursuit operations to track the fleeing criminals. He said additional patrols and surveillance have been launched to prevent the bandits from regrouping or returning to the area. He stressed that the operation is part of the Nigerian Army’s wider plan to put continuous pressure on criminal elements and restore peace in troubled communities across Kogi State.
He appealed to residents to continue supporting security personnel by providing timely and useful information that could help accelerate response to threats. According to him, cooperation from the public is vital to the success of security operations, especially as criminals often take advantage of isolated areas and local knowledge to evade arrest.
The spokesperson also encouraged communities not to lose confidence in the ongoing effort to secure the state. He said the Nigerian Army remains committed to restoring safety in every part of Kogi and will continue to act on credible intelligence to confront bandits, kidnappers and other violent groups.
Reports indicate that the 12 Brigade in Lokoja has been actively involved in the ongoing security push across different parts of the state. The troops have carried out several rescue missions, ambushes and clearance operations in recent months. On November 2, soldiers deployed at the Forward Operating Base in Oguma successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered the ransom money that was meant to be paid to the kidnappers. That operation also formed part of a broader campaign to weaken the capacity of armed criminal groups operating within the state’s forests and major road corridors.
Kogi State, located in central Nigeria, has in recent years witnessed an increase in cases of kidnapping and violent attacks along major routes linking the state to Abuja, Kwara, Niger and other neighbouring states. Security agencies have repeatedly blamed these incidents on criminal gangs who use the thick forests and difficult terrains as hideouts. Authorities say multi-agency efforts, including joint operations by the Army, police, vigilante groups and other security outfits, have helped reduce the number of attacks, though more work is still needed to stabilise all affected communities.
Residents of areas like Kabba, Obajana, Oshokoshoko, Lokoja and parts of Bassa Local Government have often called for more patrols and stronger military presence to prevent further attacks. Many locals also believe that better intelligence sharing and improved communication systems could help security agencies respond more quickly when incidents occur.
The latest operation by the 12 Brigade has once again drawn attention to the ongoing fight against banditry in Kogi State. Citizens who spoke to local sources expressed relief that another kidnapped victim was rescued, but also urged the government to sustain the tempo, especially as criminals continue to test the resolve of security agencies. For now, the Nigerian Army says it will continue its operations until criminal groups are defeated and residents can move freely without fear.
