Troops of the 12 Brigade under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army have thwarted a planned kidnapping operation in Kogi State, neutralising one terrorist and recovering weapons following an ambush along the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road.
The operation, carried out on Friday in Lokoja Local Government Area, was triggered by intelligence indicating that terrorists were planning to abduct residents of the Jakura II Community. Troops moved quickly to intercept the group, setting up an ambush at a suspected terrorist crossing point.
“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 Army said in a statement.
When contact was made with the armed group, soldiers engaged them in a firefight. One terrorist was killed, while others fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.
A search of the area yielded an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bandolier, and multiple mobile phones. The Army said the recovered items “further corroborate the involvement of the criminal elements in kidnapping activities within the general area.”
The Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised his men for their performance.
“The Commander commended the troops for their vigilance, combat efficiency and commitment to duty,” the statement read, adding that he “reassured residents of the Brigade’s determination to maintain pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements.”
Sidi also called on civilians to assist security forces, urging “members of the public to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies.”
The Army said pursuit operations remain ongoing to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects. #Securitynewsalert.com
