By Akíntúndé Aderonke | Fact Frontier
Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working in close collaboration with other security agencies, have successfully rescued six kidnapped victims in a daring and well-coordinated operation in Obajana, Kogi State.
The rescue, which was carried out in the early hours of Thursday, 14 August 2025, was the result of precise intelligence gathering and swift tactical execution.
According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations at the Headquarters of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja, the operation was launched following credible intelligence reports that revealed the exact location where the victims were being held.
Without delay, the troops, alongside their security partners, mobilized to the scene. They trailed the kidnappers deep into a forest hideout, where a brief but intense exchange of gunfire ensued.
The military personnel, equipped with superior firepower and well-planned assault strategies, overpowered the criminals and successfully rescued all six captives without any harm to their lives.
The sudden advance of the troops left the kidnappers with no choice but to flee the scene, abandoning both their captives and their weapons.
It was reported that some of the fleeing criminals escaped with gunshot wounds. A search of the hideout led to the recovery of ammunition and other items, which have been taken in as evidence for further investigation.
Preliminary findings from the operation revealed that four of the victims had been kidnapped on 12 August 2025 in Asinwe community, Okehi Local Government Area, while the remaining two victims were abducted on 28 July 2025 in Apata community, Lokoja.
Among those rescued was a prominent community leader, the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe, Mallam Adamu Zage, who was abducted from his home by the criminals.
In his remarks after the successful mission, the Commander of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army and Force Commander of Operation Accord III, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, represented by the Commanding Officer of the 126 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Nwoffiah, commended the professionalism, dedication, and courage displayed by the troops and their security partners.
He emphasized that the rescue operation was a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s resolve to protect law-abiding citizens and maintain peace in Kogi State and beyond.
Brigadier General Sidi issued a stern warning to kidnappers, bandits, and all criminal elements operating within Kogi State and neighboring regions, urging them to desist from their unlawful activities or face the full force of decisive military action.
He stressed that the Nigerian Army would not relent in its efforts to dismantle criminal networks and secure communities.
“The Nigerian Army will continue to intensify operations across Kogi State and adjoining states to ensure that criminals have no safe haven to operate from,” he assured.
The rescued victims, comprising four males and two females, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nigerian Army and the other security agencies involved in their rescue. They acknowledged the bravery and timely intervention of the operatives, noting that their freedom was nothing short of a miracle.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mallam Zage thanked God for sparing their lives and praised the relentless efforts of the troops in tracking down their captors.
The operation in Obajana adds to a growing list of successful rescue missions carried out by the Nigerian Army in recent months, highlighting a renewed determination to combat kidnapping and other forms of violent crime in the country.
Security experts believe that such operations send a strong message to criminals that the days of impunity are coming to an end.
With the rescue of the six victims, the Nigerian Army has once again reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives, maintaining peace, and ensuring that communities remain free from the fear of abduction and violence.
