Army-led joint team rescues 16 kidnap victims in Kogi

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters, have rescued 16 people abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.

The victims were kidnapped on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed men attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

Following intelligence that the victims had been taken towards Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area, troops of the 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard launched a joint search and rescue operation with the police, vigilantes and local hunters.

The security team reportedly encountered the fleeing kidnappers during the operation, leading to a gun battle. The Army said the criminals were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces and abandoned their captives before fleeing into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.

All 16 victims were subsequently rescued. They comprised six adult males, six adult females and four children and are currently undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.

However, the Army said a local hunter involved 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, Col. Appolonia Anele, said the successful operation demonstrated the effectiveness of collaboration among security agencies and local security stakeholders in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Anele commended residents for providing timely and credible information to security agencies, urging the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities through appropriate channels.