- Safiu Kehinde
Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have foiled an ambush by bandits, neutralising one while rescuing a kidnapped victim in Lokoja, the Kogi capital.
The bandits were reported to have abducted several persons and were crossing the Oshokoshoko-Obajana corridor when they encountered the troops.
As disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, the operation was part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the state.
According to him, the troops received credible information on the movement of bandits crossing the Oshokoshoko-Obajana corridor with abducted persons and were ambushed.
“The troops, working jointly with other hybrid forces, conducted a special ambush operation.
“The troops laid in wait and made contact with the armed criminals who were moving with an unconfirmed number of fighters.
“The bandits opened fire but were met with superior firepower from the troops, forcing them to withdraw in disorder.
“During the encounter, one bandit was neutralised while others fled with various degrees of gunshot wounds.” He said.
The brigade spokesman said that the operation further led to the recovery of one AK 47 rifle and the rescue of one kidnapped victim.
“The victim, who was found weak and distressed, was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for further medical attention.
“Further exploitation and pursuit operations are ongoing to track fleeing members of the criminal group,” Abdullahi said.
He reaffirmed the Nigerian army’s commitment to sustaining its pressure on criminal groups.
He urged residents to maintain trust in the ongoing operations and support security agencies with useful information.