Security Forces Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims In Kogi

Security forces have rescued 16 kidnapped victims, including four children, after engaging suspected bandits in a gun battle during a rescue operation in Kogi State.

The victims were abducted on August 9, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked commuters along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The incident triggered a search-and-rescue operation involving security agencies and local security groups working together to locate the kidnapped victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

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According to intelligence sources who spoke to security analyst Zagazola Makama, security forces received information at about 11:30 am on August 10 that the kidnapped victims had been sighted around Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area.

Acting on the intelligence, troops of the 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, local vigilantes and hybrid forces, launched an operation to rescue the victims.

The security team reportedly located the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle.

The intense confrontation forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding area, allowing the security forces to safely evacuate those who had been held captive.

A member of the hybrid forces was, however, killed during the gun battle, while a police officer sustained injuries and was taken for medical attention.

The 16 rescued kidnap victims comprised six men, six women and four children.

Following their rescue, the victims were handed over to the Nigeria Police at the Ajaokuta Division for further investigation, documentation and necessary assistance.

Security forces have continued operations to track down the fleeing kidnappers and arrest those responsible for the attack along the Kogi roads.

The latest operation comes amid ongoing security concerns over kidnapping and attacks on commuters in parts of Kogi State.

Security agencies are expected to intensify surveillance and patrols around communities and major roads in the affected areas to prevent further attacks and protect residents and travellers.