Army frees two kidnap victims, recovers ₦3.8m ransom in Kogi

Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Lokoja have rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered ₦3.8 million ransom intended for their release.

The operation was disclosed in a statement released on Monday by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, in Lokoja.

According to Abdullahi, the victims, a man and a woman, were rescued on Sunday inside Achigili Forest along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule road by troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Oguma.

He explained that the troops acted on credible intelligence, which led to the successful rescue operation and the recovery of the ransom money.

Abdullahi commended the troops for their swift response and assured that the Nigerian Army remains committed to ending criminal activities in Kogi State and across the country.

“In a sustained effort to rid Kogi of criminal activities, the troops followed credible intelligence on kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis, as well as reports of victims’ relatives attempting to deliver ransom to secure their release on Nov. 2.

“Troops acted swiftly on the information and projected a patrol to Achigili Forest to intercept the bandits.

“However, while en route to the location, the troops came under fire from the criminals.

”In the ensuing exchange, the gallant soldiers engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon two victims along with the ransom money.

“The criminals subsequently fled into the forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

“Following the encounter, the troops rescued the victims and recovered the sum of ₦3.8 million meant as ransom payment.

“The rescued victims were immediately debriefed to aid further operations, while the recovered cash was handed back to them.

“They are currently in safe custody at the troops’ location pending handover to the appropriate authorities,” Abdullahi said.

The Nigerian Army, Abdullahi said, remained resolute and unwavering in its determination to protect lives and property.

The army called on members of the public to continually support the military and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid in the fight against criminal elements within the state.” Abdullahi said. (NAN)

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