A joint security operation led by the Nigerian Army has rescued all 16 victims abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims were kidnapped on Sunday, August 9, after armed criminals reportedly attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads.
Acting on intelligence that the captives had been taken towards Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area, troops of the 21 Battalion launched a search-and-rescue operation with personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.
The operation soon turned into a gun battle after the joint team caught up with the fleeing kidnappers.
According to the Army, the security forces’ coordinated assault and superior firepower forced the criminals to abandon their captives and retreat into the surrounding forest, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot wounds.
The rescued victims comprised six adult males, six adult females and four children.
They were taken into security custody for documentation and medical assessment before arrangements were made for their reunion with their families.
A local hunter who participated in the rescue effort was killed during the confrontation, while a police officer sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The Army commended the troops, other security personnel and local stakeholders who participated in the operation, saying the successful rescue demonstrated the importance of sustained cooperation among security agencies and community actors in confronting kidnapping and other violent crimes.
It also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities.
The rescue comes days after the victims were seized on major routes in the area, highlighting the continuing security challenges faced by commuters in parts of Kogi State.
Security agencies are expected to sustain operations in the surrounding areas as efforts continue to track down the fleeing kidnappers.
