Nigerian Army-led team rescues 16 kidnap victims in Kogi
A joint security team led by the Nigerian Army has rescued all 16 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers during an operation in Ofu and Dekina Local Government Areas of Kogi State.
The victims were abducted on Sunday, 9 August 2026, after armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu LGA.
Following intelligence that the victims had been taken towards the Adumu community in Dekina LGA, troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard launched a coordinated search and rescue operation with the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.
During the operation, the security team reportedly engaged the fleeing kidnappers in a gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the coordinated response of the security forces, abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding forest, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot wounds.
All 16 victims were subsequently rescued. They comprised six adult males, six adult females and four children.
The rescued victims are undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.
However, one local hunter who participated in the operation was killed during the encounter, while a police officer sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The Nigerian Army commended the security personnel and local stakeholders involved in the operation, describing the successful rescue as a demonstration of the effectiveness of joint security operations in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Army 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 across the country.
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