Soldiers from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working with other security forces, have freed six people who were kidnapped in Obajana, Kogi State. The rescue happened during a well-planned joint operation.
The mission took place early on Thursday, August 14, 2025, after the military received reliable information about where the captives were being held.
In a statement, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 12 Brigade Headquarters in Lokoja, confirmed the rescue operation.
The troops, acting quickly, traced the kidnappers to their hideout in the forest. They overpowered the criminals with superior firepower and safely rescued all six victims without injury.
Faced with the advancing soldiers, the kidnappers ran away with gunshot wounds, leaving behind the hostages, ammunition, and other items.
Investigations showed that four of the victims were kidnapped on August 12 in Asinwe community, Okehi Local Government Area, while the other two were taken on July 28 from Apata community in Lokoja.
One of the rescued victims was the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe, Mallam Adamu Zage, who had been taken from his home.
Speaking after the rescue, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, Commander of the 12 Brigade and Force Commander of Operation Accord III, through Lieutenant Colonel Francis Nwoffiah, praised the teamwork and professionalism of the soldiers and other security agents.
He warned all kidnappers and bandits in Kogi State and nearby areas to stop their crimes or face strong military action.
The commander also promised that the Nigerian Army would keep increasing its operations in Kogi and surrounding states to make sure criminals have no place to hide.
The rescued victims, made up of four men and two women, thanked the Army and other security agencies for acting quickly to save them.
Mallam Zage, speaking for the group, thanked God for their freedom and prayed for continued success for the security forces.
The victims have now been handed over to the appropriate authorities for medical checks and further steps.
