Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade under the 2 Division have disrupted a planned kidnapping operation in Kogi State, killing one suspected terrorist and recovering arms and ammunition during an ambush in Lokoja Local Government Area.
In a statement issued early Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Hassan Abdulahi, said the operation was carried out on May 30, 2026, following intelligence reports about a planned attack in Jakura II community.
According to him, the soldiers acted on credible intelligence and swiftly moved to block suspected escape and movement routes along the Old Obajana–Tajimi road, where they laid an ambush for the armed group.
He explained that the troops made contact with the suspects and engaged them in a firefight, during which one of the attackers was killed while others escaped with possible gunshot injuries.
The army said a follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a bandolier, and mobile phones believed to belong to the criminals.
The statement noted that the recovered items further confirmed the group’s involvement in kidnapping-related activities within the area.
It added that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the 12 Brigade to intensify pressure on criminal networks operating in Kogi State and surrounding communities.
Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, praised the troops for their alertness and professionalism during the operation.
He assured residents that the military would sustain its offensive against kidnappers and other armed groups, while urging communities to continue providing timely intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing operations.