NIGERIAN ARMY LED JOINT SECURITY TEAM RESCUES 16 KIDNAP VICTIMS IN KOGI
Troops of the Nigerian Army, working in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters, have rescued all 16 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers during a coordinated search and rescue operation in Kogi State.
The victims were abducted on Sunday, 9 August 2026, when armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo Ajengo Memarebo and Ojiwo Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
Following credible intelligence that the victims had been taken to the vicinity of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard launched a joint search and rescue operation with the Police, vigilantes and local hunters.
During the operation, the joint security team encountered the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a firefight. The attackers were reportedly overwhelmed by the coordinated response of the security forces and abandoned all the captives before escaping into the surrounding forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
All 16 victims were subsequently rescued. They comprised six adult males, six adult females and four children. The victims are undergoing documentation and medical assessment while arrangements are being made for their reunification with their families.
One local hunter who participated in the operation was killed during the encounter, while a police officer sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The Nigerian Army commended the security personnel and local security stakeholders involved in the operation for their efforts to rescue the victims. It also acknowledged the cooperation of members of the public, particularly those who provided information that assisted the operation.
The Army urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies to support efforts to prevent kidnapping and other violent crimes.
