In a major breakthrough against criminal activities, the Nigerian Army announced the successful rescue of 17 kidnapped passengers in Kogi State on Thursday.
According to reports, the victims – 13 adults and four children – were abducted while traveling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja. The kidnappers struck around Opamaru village along the Obajana–Lokoja Road on September 10, 2025.
Following the incident, troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working closely with local vigilantes and hybrid forces, launched a coordinated rescue mission. Acting on credible intelligence, soldiers from Patrol Base Apata traced the kidnappers’ trail to Wuro village in Adavi Local Government Area.
Upon engaging the criminals, the troops’ superior firepower overwhelmed the kidnappers, forcing them to abandon all 17 hostages and flee into the forest with gunshot wounds.
The freed victims were taken to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilization. Fortunately, all passengers were rescued unharmed.
In a statement, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, assured Nigerians that the Army remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property. He also called on citizens to continue sharing timely intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
This rescue highlights the Nigerian Army’s dedication to combating insecurity and restoring peace across affected regions.
