Nigerian Army-led team rescues 16 kidnapped victims in Kogi, hunter killed
A Nigerian Army-led joint security team has rescued all 16 victims abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue operation, which involved troops of the Nigerian Army, personnel of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters, followed a coordinated search-and-rescue effort launched after the victims were abducted on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
The victims were kidnapped when armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence that the victims had been moved towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
The joint team, supported by police personnel, vigilantes and local hunters, subsequently tracked the kidnappers and established contact with them.
A fierce firefight reportedly ensued, forcing the kidnappers to abandon all the captives and flee into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
Read Also:
The operation resulted in the safe 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, the statement said.
However, the operation came at a cost, as one local hunter who participated in the rescue effort was killed during the encounter.
The Army also disclosed that 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 their efforts as a demonstration of commitment to protecting civilians and combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Army said the successful operation underscored the importance of sustained joint operations and effective collaboration among the military, sister security agencies and local security stakeholders.
It also commended members of the public for providing timely and credible information to security agencies, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through appropriate channels.
The Army said such cooperation remained critical to ongoing efforts to deny criminal elements freedom of action and restore peace across affected communities.
By PRNigeria
