Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have sustained offensive operations across Kogi State, leading to the destruction of criminal hideouts, arrest of a suspect, and the rescue of a kidnapped victim in separate coordinated missions.

In Omala Local Government Area, troops operating under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Omala, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilante groups, conducted a clearance operation at about 7:00 a.m. on April 10 in Akpagogo Forest. 

During the exercise, security forces apprehended a civilian alleged to have breached established grazing regulations within the area.

Further exploitation of the forest resulted in the discovery and destruction of suspected criminal camps believed to serve as safe havens for criminal elements. 

The arrested suspect has since been handed over to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Abejukolo for further investigation and appropriate action.

Also, the same day, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Egbe in Yagba West Local Government Area rescued a kidnap victim during a patrol operation conducted around 2:07 p.m. at Aaru Cashew Plantation.

According to sources, the victim was found abandoned by his captors, who reportedly fled upon sighting advancing troops near the Dadi Kowa axis. 

Preliminary interrogation revealed that the victim had been abducted on April 1 from Ejiba Community within the same local government area.

The rescued individual was subsequently debriefed and safely reunited with his family.

The operations underscore on-going efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks, deny them safe havens, and enhance security across Kogi State.