Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have foiled a planned kidnap operation and neutralised a suspected terrorist during an ambush operation in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, carried out on Friday, followed intelligence reports that armed criminals were planning kidnapping activities in Jakura II Community.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, troops were deployed to a suspected crossing point used by the criminals along the Old Obajana–Tajimi Road.

The statement said the troops laid an ambush at the location and subsequently engaged the suspects in a firefight after making contact with them.

“One terrorist was neutralised, while other members of the criminal group escaped with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.

The Army added that a follow-up search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, five magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, a bandolier and mobile phones.

Military authorities said the recovered items indicated the involvement of the suspects in kidnapping activities within the area.

The Army noted that troops are continuing exploitation operations to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the group.

Commander of the 12 Brigade, Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, commended the troops for their vigilance and operational effectiveness.

He also reassured residents of the Brigade’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists and other criminal elements, while urging members of the public to provide timely and actionable intelligence to security agencies.

The operation was conducted on May 30, 2026.