An Army-led joint security team has dealt a major blow to suspected kidnappers in Kogi State, rescuing all 16 victims abducted along major roads in Ofu Local Government Area.
The operation involved troops of the Nigerian Army, personnel of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters, who worked together in a coordinated search and rescue mission following the abduction.
The victims were kidnapped on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.
According to an official statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director Army Public Relations, security forces received credible intelligence that the victims had been moved towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
Troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard subsequently launched a joint operation with the police, vigilantes and local hunters to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
The security team eventually made contact with the fleeing criminals, leading to a fierce firefight.
The kidnappers, overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordinated assault of the security forces, 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 one local hunter who participated in the rescue effort was killed during the encounter.
One police officer also sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Army commended the bravery and sacrifice of the fallen hunter and the injured police officer, while praising the participating security agencies and local security stakeholders for their coordinated response.
The successful operation, the Army said, demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained joint operations and inter-agency cooperation in confronting kidnapping and other violent crimes.
It also reaffirmed the resolve of the security forces to deny criminal elements freedom of action and protect innocent citizens across the country.
The Army further commended members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, stressing that cooperation between communities and security agencies remains critical to combating criminal activities.
It urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities through appropriate security channels.
