Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters, have rescued 16 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers during a joint search and rescue operation in Kogi State.
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 of the state.
Acting on 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 Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard launched a coordinated operation with the police, vigilantes and local hunters.
During the operation, the joint security team reportedly made contact with the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle.
The Army said the criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordinated response of the security forces, abandoned all the captives and fled into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
The rescued victims comprised six adult males, six adult females and four children. They are currently undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.
However, a local hunter who participated in the operation was killed during the encounter, while a police officer sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, commended the security personnel and local stakeholders involved in the operation, describing the rescue as a demonstration of the effectiveness of joint security operations against kidnapping.
She also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support efforts to protect lives and restore peace.
