Army foils kidnap attempt, kills terrorist in Kogi

Nigerian Army troops have successfully thwarted a planned kidnapping operation and eliminated a terrorist in the Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. The operation, conducted on May 30, 2026, was a direct response to credible intelligence indicating that terrorists intended to carry out kidnappings in the Jakura II community.

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Acting on the 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.

Acting on the intelligence, soldiers from the 12 Brigade, 2 Division, swiftly deployed to a known terrorist crossing point along the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road. They established an ambush to prevent the criminals from executing their plan. During the engagement, troops made contact with the terrorists and responded with effective fire.

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Following the firefight, one terrorist was neutralised, while other members of the criminal group fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.

One terrorist was neutralized in the ensuing firefight, while the remaining members of the group fled the scene, likely sustaining gunshot wounds. A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of significant items, including one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one bandolier, and mobile phones. These recovered items strongly suggest the group's involvement in ongoing kidnapping activities in the region.

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The recovered items further corroborate the involvement of the criminal elements in kidnapping activities within the general area.

Brig. Gen. Kasim Umar Sidi, Commander of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their vigilance and combat efficiency. He reassured residents of the brigade's commitment to combating terrorism and other criminal elements, urging the public to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies.

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The successful operation demonstrated the resolve of troops of the 12 Brigade to sustain offensive operations against terrorists and other criminal elements threatening the security of law-abiding citizens.