Troops of the 12 Brigade under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army have successfully foiled a planned kidnapping operation in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one suspected terrorist during an ambush operation.
According to a statement released by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Hassan Abdulahi, the operation was carried out on May 30, 2026, following credible intelligence about planned attacks by criminal elements in Jakura II Community.
The statement explained that troops swiftly moved into action and positioned themselves along the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road, identified as a likely route for the attackers.
“Acting on intelligence, troops 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 said.
During the encounter, soldiers engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, resulting in the death of one of the attackers while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with effective fire. Following the firefight, one terrorist was neutralised while other members of the criminal group fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds,” Lt. Abdulahi added.
Following the operation, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a bandolier, and several mobile phones believed to belong to the fleeing suspects.
According to the Army, the recovered items further confirm the group’s involvement in kidnapping activities within the area.
“The recovered items further corroborate the involvement of the criminal elements in kidnapping activities within the general area,” the statement noted.
The Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised the troops for their professionalism, vigilance, and swift response, assuring residents of continued military operations against criminal groups.
He also urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region.
Military authorities said operations in the area are still ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang.
