Troops foil kidnap attempt, neutralise terrorist in Kogi

Abdullateef Fowewe

Troops of 12 Brigade under 2 Division of the Nigerian Army say they foiled a planned kidnapping and neutralised a terrorist during an ambush in Lokoja Local Government Area.

A statement obtained from the Nigerian Army on Saturday noted that the operation conducted on 30 May 2026 after “credible intelligence indicating plans by terrorists to carry out kidnapping activities within Jakura II Community.”

Acting on the tip, soldiers “swiftly deployed and occupied a suspected terrorist crossing point along Old Obajana–Tajimi Road, where an ambush was laid to deny the criminals freedom of action.”

The statement says troops made contact with the terrorists, engaged them with effective fire and “one terrorist was neutralised while other members of the criminal group fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.”

Following the firefight, troops recovered an AK‑47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bandolier and mobile phones — items the army says “further corroborate the involvement of the criminal elements in kidnapping activities within the general area.”

The statement praised the brigade’s performance and warned that “further exploitation of the area is ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing terrorists.”

Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, Commander 12 Brigade, commended the troops for their “vigilance, combat efficiency and commitment to duty,” and urged residents to continue providing “timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies.”