- Tinubu’s Tougher Security Measures Deliver Wins as Troops Disrupt Kogi Bandits
- …One kidnapped victim rescued
- Security analysts note that this success adds to a growing list of operational breakthroughs
Nigeria’s ongoing security reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continue to yield measurable results as troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt by armed bandits operating around the Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the operation, conducted last week in the early hours of Tuesday, led to the rescue of one kidnapped victim and the neutralisation of one suspected bandit.
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In a statement signed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, the Army confirmed that the operation was executed around the Oshokoshoko and Obajana axis of Lokoja LGA as part of intensified efforts to rid Kogi State of violent crimes.
The statement reads: “As part of ongoing intensified efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have successfully foiled an ambush by armed bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim during a coordinated operation around Oshokoshoko and Obajana in Lokoja Local Government Area.”
Providing further details, the Army disclosed:“In the early hours of 25 November 2025, following credible information on the movement of bandits crossing the Oshokoshoko–Obajana corridor with abducted persons, troops deployed at the Kabba Patrol Base, working jointly with other Hybrid Forces, conducted a special ambush operation to intercept the criminals.”
The troops reportedly made contact with the armed gang shortly after laying in wait. According to the statement:
“The bandits opened fire but were met with superior firepower from the troops, forcing them to withdraw in disorder. During the encounter, one bandit was neutralised while others fled with various degrees of gunshot wounds.
“The operation further led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and the rescue of one kidnapped victim. The victim, who was found weak and distressed, was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for further medical attention. Further exploitation and pursuit operations are ongoing to track fleeing members of the criminal group.”
Security analysts note that this success adds to a growing list of operational breakthroughs recorded nationwide over the last one week following President Tinubu’s renewed directives to security chiefs. Recent achievements include:
- Over 45 bandits and criminal elements arrested in coordinated raids across Kaduna, Kogi, Niger and Benue States.
- 7 kidnap victims rescued through intelligence-led operations in the FCT, Kogi, and Taraba.
- 10 bandits neutralised in separate encounters across North Central and North West zones.
- Several hideouts destroyed, with firearms, ammunition, and logistics supplies recovered.
These results align with Tinubu’s push for improved inter-agency synergy, real-time intelligence sharing, and more aggressive field operations.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment, the statement concluded: “The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in sustaining pressure on criminal groups and ensuring that communities across Kogi State are safe and secure.
Residents are encouraged to maintain trust in the ongoing operations and to support security agencies with useful information that can enhance prompt response and strengthen the collective fight against crime.”
Security experts believe that if the momentum is sustained, communities in Kogi and surrounding states may experience significantly improved stability in the coming months.
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