Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, have disrupted a suspected kidnapping operation in Kogi State, killing one terrorist during a well-coordinated ambush in Lokoja Local Government Area.
Military authorities said the operation was launched on May 30, 2026, after credible intelligence indicated that armed criminals were preparing to abduct residents in Jakura II Community.
Acting on the tip-off, troops were swiftly deployed to the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road, where they took strategic positions along a suspected movement route used by the attackers.
The ambush led to a direct gun duel between the soldiers and the armed group. One of the attackers was neutralized on the spot, while others escaped with gunshot wounds, abandoning their mission.
Following the encounter, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bandolier, and several mobile phones suspected to have been used for criminal coordination.
The Army described the recovery as evidence of the group’s involvement in kidnapping activities in the area, adding that follow-up operations are ongoing to track the fleeing suspects.
Spokesperson for the Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, said the operation underscores the Army’s continued pressure on criminal networks across Kogi State.
He noted that the troops acted decisively on intelligence and denied the criminals the opportunity to strike.
Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised the soldiers for their alertness and combat effectiveness, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to sustained operations against kidnappers and other armed groups.
He also urged residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing efforts to secure communities across the state.