Local vigilante group frees 13 abducted persons in Kogi state

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The Vigilante Group of Nigeria Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Federal Capital Territory Command, Abuja, has rescued 13 kidnapped victims in the Egume area of Anyigba, Kogi State.

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The victims were said to have been abducted on April 26, 2026, while travelling from Calabar, Cross River State, to Abuja for a programme.

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According to a statement on Tuesday by the Commander of the VGN Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Idris Girinya, the rescue operation was carried out at about 4 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

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Girinya stated that the operation was led by Suleiman Abiodun of Kubwa, popularly known as “Evil Spirit,” with support from the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Kogi State Command, and the Nigeria Police Force.

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“The vigilante group of Nigeria has rescued 13 kidnapped victims at Egume area in Anyigba Kogi State the victims were apprehended when coming to Abuja for a program from Calabar Cross River State, the rescued operation took place at around 4:am on Saturday May 9, 2026.

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“The Anti-Kidnapping Squad of Vigilante Group of Nigeria Command led by Suleiman Abiodun of Kubwa (A.K.A. Evil Spirit), with the full support from the Vigilante Group of Nigeria Kogi State Command and Nigerian Police Force, were able to rescue the kidnapped victims who had been in captivity since April 26, 2026,” the statement read.

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The rescued victims were identified as Pastor Victor Edet Okon, Mercy Victor Okon, Bassey Bassey Ekpenyong, Sarah Bassey Ekpenyong, Evangelist Perfect Bomba, Christian George, Mary God’s Will Asuquo, Mary Bassey Kanu, Rita Effiom, Maria Undie, Mary Joseph, Iboro Johnson, and Prosper Ebuara.

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The command did not disclose whether any arrests were made during the operation or if any ransom was paid before the victims regained freedom.

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The rescue comes amid growing concerns over the rising cases of kidnapping along major highways and communities in Kogi State and other parts of the country, with security agencies and local vigilante groups intensifying efforts to combat the menace.

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