By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army Lokoja, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and Local Vigilante, have successfully rescued 17 kidnapped victims.
A statement by the Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi on Thursday, said the rescued victims were 13 adults and four children.
According to Abdullahi, the victims were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun State to Abuja when they were intercepted by kidnappers along the Obajana-Lokoja Road.
“Acting on credible intelligence, troops deployed at Patrol Base Apata quickly mobilised to the scene, reinforced by the Brigade Quick Response Group (QRG).
“The soldiers trailed the kidnappers to Wuro Village in Adavi Local Government Area, where they engaged the criminals in a gun battle.
“Overpowered by the troops’ superior firepower, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled into the bush with various degrees of gunshot injuries,” he said.
Abdullahi said the rescued victims were immediately evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre for first aid and stabilisation.
The spokesperson reassured the public of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He said: “The Army appreciates the citizens and urges them to continue supporting the military with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
“The successful rescue operation is a testament to the military’s dedication to combating banditry and other criminal activities in Kogi.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting the lives and property of citizens, and urges everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to appreciate authorities.”