Nigerian Army Deepens UK Defence Ties, Rescues Nine Kidnap Victims in Kogi

The Nigerian Army recorded two major developments this week, one on the diplomatic front and another on the battlefield, both underlining its push to strengthen national security. While military chiefs in Abuja discussed deeper defence cooperation with the United Kingdom, troops on the ground in Kogi State were busy rescuing nine commuters from kidnappers along a notorious highway.

British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper, MBE with Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu,

Strengthening the UK Partnership

In Abuja, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to deepening strategic defence cooperation with the United Kingdom. He made the remarks on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, while receiving British Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Brigadier Tom Harper, MBE, at Army Headquarters.

Shaibu described the UK partnership as central to building a more adaptable, combat-ready force capable of responding to evolving security threats, particularly in operational effectiveness, intelligence capabilities and specialised training. He flagged asymmetric warfare and difficult terrain in the North East as key challenges requiring stronger surveillance, aviation support and round-the-clock situational awareness down to the battalion level. He also highlighted the Army’s expansion from eight to twelve divisions, which he said calls for greater investment in training, instructor development and Special Forces capacity, including upgrades at the Doma training facility.

Brigadier Harper responded by outlining continued UK support under the Security and Defence Partnership, including expanded train-the-trainer programmes and upcoming Operation HADIN KAI training sessions that will bring in personnel from Niger, Cameroon and Chad alongside Nigerian troops. He also referenced proposed support for a Forward Operating Base, counter-drone systems, expanded surveillance capacity, and further discussions on air defence systems and protected mobility vehicles.

Nigerian Army Rescues Nine Kidnap Victims in Kogi

Troops Rescue Nine Kidnapped Commuters in Kogi

While that meeting was underway in Abuja, Nigerian Army troops were carrying out a very different kind of operation in Kogi State. Nine commuters kidnapped along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area have been rescued and reunited with their families, following a swift response by troops from Patrol Base Itobe.

The troops moved in after reports that kidnappers had ambushed commuters and abducted several passengers. At the scene, they found a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna abandoned along the roadside, with all passengers missing. Rather than wait, the troops tracked the kidnappers’ escape route to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, where they caught up with the criminals.

A firefight followed, and the troops’ superior firepower forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee into the bush, some reportedly with gunshot wounds. All nine victims — two elderly men, two elderly women, four adult males and one infant — were rescued unharmed and handed over to the Nigeria Police at Itobe Area Command for reunification with their families. The Army says the pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers is ongoing, with search operations continuing to track down the remaining suspects.

Written by Boom RadioNG