16 Kidnap Victims Rescued After Fierce Security Operation in Kogi

(The rescued victims. Photo credit: Daily Bytes)

Nigerian Army troops, collaborating with the Navy, Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters, have successfully rescued all 16 persons who were abducted by suspected criminals in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The Army confirmed this development in a statement released on Monday by its Acting Director of Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele.

The abductees were seized on August 9, 2026, when armed assailants targeted commuters on the Ojuwo Ajengo Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in the area.

Following receipt of intelligence indicating the victims had been transported toward Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, troops from 21 Battalion and personnel from Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard initiated a coordinated search and rescue operation.

The response included police officers, vigilante groups and community hunters.

During the operation, the combined security forces made contact with the fleeing criminals and exchanged gunfire.

Facing superior firepower and coordinated pressure from the security team, the abductors abandoned their captives and fled into surrounding forests, sustaining gunshot injuries in the process.

All 16 victims comprising six adult males, six adult females and four children were recovered.

The rescued individuals are undergoing documentation and medical evaluation before being returned to their families.

One community hunter participating in the operation was k!lled during the encounter, while a police officer was wounded and is receiving treatment.

The Army lauded the security personnel and community members involved, characterising the operation as evidence of the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in countering kidn@pping and violent crime.

The statement emphasised that the successful rescue demonstrates the value of joint operations and coordination among the Army, other security services and grassroots security partners in combating such offences.

The Army called on residents to remain alert and provide security agencies with reliable information regarding suspicious activities, stressing that public cooperation remains essential to ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and restore peace nationwide.

(Injured man. Photo credit: Nigerian Army)