By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
NIGERIAN Army, 12 Brigade troops have successfully foiled an ambush by armed bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim during a coordinated operation between Oshokoshoko and Obajana in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi.
Briefing newsmen on the operation, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations,
12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, said the rescue operation was successfully carried out in the early hours of Tuesday.
The 12 Brigade, spokesman said the coordinated rescue operation was part of the ongoing intensified efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kogi State,
According to him, the operation followed credible information on the movement of bandits crossing the Oshokoshoko Obajana corridor with abducted persons.
The troops deployed at the Kabba Patrol Base working jointly with Other Hybrid Forces, conducted a special ambush operation to intercept the criminals.
“The troops laid in wait and made contact with the armed criminals who were moving with an unconfirmed number of fighters.
“The bandits opened fire but were met with superior firepower from the troops, forcing them to withdraw in disorder. During the encounter, one bandit was neutralized while others fled with various degrees of gunshot wounds.
“The operation further led to the recovery of one AK 47 rifle and the rescue of one kidnapped victim.
“The victim, who was found weak and distressed, was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for further medical attention. Further exploitation and pursuit operations are ongoing to track fleeing members of the criminal group”, he said.
Lt. Abdullahi assured that the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its bid to sustain pressure on criminal groups and ensuring that communities across Kogi State are safe and secure.
He encouraged residents to maintain trust in the ongoing operations and support security agencies with credible information that can enhance prompt response and strengthen the collective fight against crime. (Ends)