Troops of 12 Composite Brigade under 5 Division Nigerian Army have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued 11 passengers along Kabba Ayere Road in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, announced this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday.
Lt..Abdullahi said the incident occurred on 18 October 2026 when troops deployed at the patrol base in Kabba, while on routine patrol, responded to credible information on the activities of terrorists attempting to abduct passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle along the route.
According to him, on arrival, the troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bush.
“Consequently, 9 passengers, including the driver of the commercial vehicle, were rescued. The driver and 2 other passengers who sustained injuries were evacuated for proper medical attention, while the commercial vehicle was handed over to the appropriate authority.
“In a follow up operation on 19 October 2026, troops exploited the general area of the incident and rescued 2 additional passengers who had fled into the bush during the encounter. This brings the total number of rescued victims to 11.
“The successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment of troops of 12 Composite Brigade Nigerian Army to protecting lives and property, denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring the safety of commuters across Kogi State.
The Brigade urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
It added that the Nigerian Army remains committed to sustaining efforts to safeguard lives and property and ensuring the security of the good people of Kogi State.
