Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Kill Suspected Terrorist in Kogi

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have foiled a planned kidnap operation and neutralised a suspected terrorist during an ambush operation in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, carried out on Friday, followed credible intelligence that terrorists were planning to abduct residents of Jakura II Community. Acting on the information, troops deployed to a suspected crossing point along the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road and laid an ambush to intercept the criminals.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, troops engaged the terrorists in a gun battle after making contact with them at the location.

The military said one terrorist was killed during the encounter, while others fled with suspected gunshot wounds.

Items recovered from the scene include one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bandolier and mobile phones.

The Army said the recovered items further confirmed the involvement of the suspects in kidnapping activities within the area.

It noted that troops have continued exploitation operations to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal group.

Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and combat efficiency. He reassured residents of the military’s commitment to sustained pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements threatening public safety.

The brigade commander also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing operations against criminal elements.