Army, others rescue 16 kidnapped victims in Kogi, hunter killed

n n

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters, have rescued all 16 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

n

The Army disclosed this in a statement signed by its Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, on Monday.

n

According to the statement, the victims were abducted on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in the area.

n

The Army said troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard launched a joint search and rescue operation after receiving intelligence that the victims had been moved to the vicinity of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.

n

The operation also involved personnel of the police, vigilantes and local hunters.

n

“During the operation, the joint security team established contact with the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce firefight.

n

“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 statement said.

n

The Army said all 16 victims were subsequently rescued, comprising six adult males, six adult females and four children.

n

It added that the rescued victims were undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.

n

However, one local hunter who participated in the operation was killed during the encounter, while a police officer sustained injuries and was receiving medical treatment.

n

The Army commended the security personnel and local stakeholders involved in the operation, describing their efforts as a demonstration of the effectiveness of joint operations in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

n

“The successful rescue of the 16 victims underscores the effectiveness of sustained joint operations and the synergy among the Nigerian Army, sister security agencies and local security stakeholders in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the statement said.

n

The Army also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information on suspicious activities.

n

It said public cooperation remained critical to ongoing efforts to protect lives and restore peace across the country.

n n