Kogi terror camp is overrun as Nigerian Army troops rescue 14 kidnapped victims and recover weapons during sustained forest operations

Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have overrun a terror camp in Kogi State and rescued 14 kidnapped victims during sustained offensive operations within forest enclaves around the Lokoja axis.

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A senior military source confirmed on Tuesday that the operation followed a decisive assault on a hideout operated by suspected terrorists loyal to a gang leader identified as Batijjo, located deep within the Adonkolo and Kakanda forest corridor.

The source said troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight before successfully overrunning the camp, forcing the armed group to flee into surrounding bush paths.

During the operation, soldiers recovered weapons, ammunition, military and police camouflage uniforms, as well as documents, including a foreign passport, which security officials said would aid ongoing intelligence efforts.

Among those rescued was a serving Nigerian soldier who had been abducted while travelling from Abeokuta in Ogun State to Zaria in Kaduna State.

All rescued victims were stabilised by military medical teams before being moved to safety.

The source disclosed that troops subsequently mounted a follow-up ambush at Tajimi, where they encountered a fleeing terrorist who abandoned his motorcycle before escaping.

The motorcycle was recovered for intelligence exploitation.

In a separate but related response, troops swiftly intervened in a kidnapping incident along the Okene to Onyukoko road, rescuing seven additional escapees, while search-and-rescue operations continue for other victims believed to be held in the area.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to sustain aggressive operations against terrorist networks operating within Kogi State and neighbouring regions, describing the campaign as critical to restoring security and public confidence.

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Military authorities said operations would continue until remaining criminal elements are dismantled and forest hideouts cleared.