Troops of 12 Brigade under 2 Division Nigerian Army have thwarted a planned kidnap operation and neutralised a terrorist during a successful ambush conducted in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi in a statement issued Saturday said the operation which was conducted on 30 May 2026 followed credible intelligence indicating plans by terrorists to carry out kidnapping activities within Jakura II Community. Acting on the intelligence, he noted that the 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.
Abdullahi noted: “During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them with effective fire.
“Following the firefight, one terrorist was neutralised while other members of the criminal group fled the scene with suspected gunshot wounds.
“Further exploitation led to the recovery of one AK 47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one bandolier and mobile phones.”
Abdullahi added that the recovered items further corroborate the involvement of the criminal elements in kidnapping activities within the general area.