Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Oguma have successfully rescued two kidnapped victims and recovered N3.8 million ransom money meant for their release.
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations 12 Brigade, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, in a statement issued Monday said the operation which led to the rescue of the victims took place on November 2, 2025.
He noted that this followed a credible intelligence on kidnapping activities along the Itobe–Adumu–Ejule axis, as well as reports of relatives of some of the victims attempting to deliver ransom to secure their release.
Abdullahi added: “Troops acted swiftly on the information and projected a patrol to Achigili Forest to intercept the bandits.
“However, while en route to the location, the troops came under fire from the criminals. In the ensuing exchange, the gallant soldiers engaged the bandits with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon two victims along with the ransom money.
“The criminals subsequently fled into the forest with various degrees of gunshot wounds.
“Following the encounter, the troops rescued the victims and recovered the sum of ₦3,800,000 intended for ransom payment.”
Abdullahi said the rescued victims were immediately debriefed to aid further operations, while the recovered cash was handed back to them.
He stressed that they are currently in safe custody at the troops’ location pending handover to the appropriate authorities.