Army-led Joint Security Team Rescues 16 Kidnap Victims in Kogi

A joint security team led by the Nigerian Army has rescued 16 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers along major roads in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation involved troops of the Nigerian Army, personnel of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the victims were abducted on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.

The Army said it acted swiftly after receiving credible intelligence that the victims had been moved to the vicinity of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.

Consequently, troops of 21 Battalion, working with personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, the police, vigilantes and local hunters, launched a coordinated search and rescue operation to locate and free the victims.

During the operation, the security team made contact with the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce gun battle.

The kidnappers, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordinated assault of the security forces, reportedly abandoned all the captives and fled into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.

The operation resulted in the successful rescue of all 16 victims, comprising six adult males, six adult females and four children.

The rescued victims are currently undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.

However, the operation came at a cost, as a local hunter who participated in the rescue mission was killed during the encounter.

One police officer also sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The Nigerian Army commended the courage and sacrifice of the local hunter and the injured police personnel, describing their contributions as a demonstration of commitment to protecting innocent citizens.

The Army said the successful rescue operation underscored the effectiveness of sustained joint operations and the growing synergy among the military, sister security agencies and local security stakeholders in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

It reaffirmed the resolve of the security forces to deny criminal elements freedom of action and protect communities across the country.

The Army also commended members of the public for providing timely and credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing efforts to protect lives and restore peace.

It urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies through appropriate channels.