Just-In: Troops Rescue 17 Kidnapped Bus Passengers

Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and local vigilantes, have rescued 17 kidnapped passengers, including 13 adults and 4 children, in Kogi State.

The incident occurred on September 10, 2025, when armed criminals intercepted a 17-seater bus travelling from Osun State to Abuja along the Obajana–Lokoja Road near Opamaru Village. Acting on credible intelligence, troops stationed at Patrol Base Apata were alerted to the abduction and swiftly launched a rescue operation.

The soldiers, reinforced by the Brigade’s Quick Response Group (QRG), arrived at the scene to find the abandoned bus empty by the roadside. Demonstrating effective field tactics, the troops tracked the kidnappers’ movements through footprints leading to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area.

Upon engaging the kidnappers, the troops’ superior firepower forced the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush, leaving all 17 hostages behind. The rescued victims were safely evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilisation.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 12 Brigade, the operation underscores the military’s determination to rid Kogi State of criminal elements.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and urges the public to continue providing timely information to support ongoing security operations,” the statement read.