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Troops Rescue Four Kidnap Victims, Neutralise Suspected Terrorist in Kogi

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of 12 Brigade, in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Hybrid Forces, have rescued four kidnapped victims during a clearance operation in Lokoja Local Government Area.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 11:30 p.m. on July 2 following intelligence on kidnapping activities at a Ruga community in Obajana.

According to the sources, the troops deployed from Oshokoshoko made contact with the suspected kidnappers, leading to a gun battle in which one suspected terrorist was neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding area.

The troops subsequently exploited the terrorists’ withdrawal route and successfully rescued four kidnapped victims unharmed.

During the operation, the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle magazine loaded with one round of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

The rescued victims were reunited with their families, while the recovered ammunition has been taken into military custody for further investigation. Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks responsible for kidnappings in the area.