Nigerian Forces Crush Kidnap Plot in Kogi, Eliminate Terrorist

By Queen Madaki

Troops of the 12 Brigade under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army have foiled a planned kidnap operation and neutralised a suspected terrorist during a successful ambush in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

According to a statement issued in the early hours of Sunday by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, the operation was carried out on May 30, 2026, following credible intelligence indicating plans by terrorists to launch kidnapping attacks within Jakura II Community.

The Bureau Journal gathered that troops swiftly mobilised to the area and occupied a suspected crossing point used by the criminal elements along the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road.

Troops Engage Terrorists in Gun Battle

Lt. Abdullahi said the soldiers laid an ambush at the location to deny the terrorists freedom of movement and disrupt their planned operation.

“Acting on the intelligence, 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.

“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,” he stated.

Weapons, Ammunition Recovered

Following the encounter, troops conducted further exploitation of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one bandolier and several mobile phones.

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

Army Vows Sustained Offensive Operations

Lt. Abdullahi noted that the successful operation reflects the determination of troops of the 12 Brigade to sustain pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements threatening public safety.

He added that troops have continued exploitation efforts aimed at tracking and apprehending members of the group who escaped during the gun battle.

The Commander of 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance, professionalism and commitment to duty.

He also reassured residents of the military’s resolve to maintain offensive operations against criminal networks while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.

The Bureau Journal reports that security operations have intensified across parts of Kogi State as the military and other security agencies continue efforts to combat kidnapping, terrorism and related crimes.