Troops of the Nigerian Army, working in close 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.
Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele in a statement issued Tuesday said the victims were kidnapped 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.
He said acting swiftly on credible intelligence that the victims had been moved to the vicinity of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard immediately launched a joint search and rescue operation alongside the Nigeria Police, vigilantes and local hunters.
Anele noted: “During the operation, the joint security team established contact with the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce firefight.
“Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordinated assault of the security forces, the criminals abandoned all their captives and escaped into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
“The operation culminated in the successful rescue of all 16 kidnapped victims, comprising six adult males, six adult females and four children.”
Anele added that the rescued victims are undergoing documentation, medical assessment and reunification with their families.
Regrettably, he stressed that one local hunter who participated courageously in the operation paid the supreme sacrifice.
Anele said one police personnel sustained injuries during the encounter and is currently receiving medical treatment.