The Nigerian Army has rescued 17 passengers, including four children, who were kidnapped by suspected bandits along the Obajana–Lokoja Road in Kogi State.
The rescue operation was carried out by troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with hybrid forces and local vigilantes, according to a statement released on Thursday, September 11, by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations.
The victims were passengers travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja when they were intercepted and abducted near Opamaru village, Kogi State, on September 10, 2025.
Lt. Abdullahi stated that the troops deployed at Patrol Base Apata acted swiftly after receiving credible intelligence about the incident. Reinforcements were immediately dispatched, and the soldiers traced the kidnappers’ movements through the forest.
The soldiers successfully tracked the criminals to Wuro village in Adavi Local Government Area, where they engaged the armed kidnappers in a gunfight. Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the criminals fled into the bush, abandoning their captives.
“All 17 kidnapped passengers were rescued unhurt, including four victims who had already been held in the kidnappers’ den prior to the latest abduction,” the army spokesperson said.
The rescued victims — 13 adults and four children — were taken to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for immediate medical attention and stabilization.
While no arrest was confirmed during the operation, Lt. Abdullahi noted that some of the fleeing criminals sustained gunshot wounds, and security forces are currently combing the area in search of them.
He added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and maintaining peace across the country, especially along vulnerable roads and highways.
Kogi State, which links the North and South of Nigeria, has become a hotspot for kidnapping and violent crimes due to its strategic location and thick forest areas that criminals use as hideouts. In recent years, there have been increased cases of highway abductions, particularly along routes connecting Lokoja to other states.
The Nigerian Army, alongside other security agencies, has intensified patrols and intelligence operations in the region to counter the activities of armed groups. Collaborations with local vigilante groups and hybrid forces have also proven effective in responding quickly to incidents.
The military has repeatedly urged Nigerians to cooperate by sharing timely and credible information to help security forces act more swiftly.
Speaking further, Lt. Abdullahi encouraged citizens, especially those in rural communities and transport workers, to remain alert and report any suspicious movement or activities in their areas.
“This successful operation is another demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s readiness to protect the lives and property of Nigerians. We will continue to pursue the criminals until they are brought to justice,” the statement read.
