Nigerian Army Rescues 16 Kidnap Victims in Kogi

The Nigerian Army-led joint security team has rescued 16 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers along major roads in Kogi State.
The Army, in a statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, on Monday, August 10, 2026, said the victims were rescued during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving troops of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.
The victims were kidnapped on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed suspected kidnappers attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to the statement, credible intelligence indicated that the victims had been moved towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, prompting troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard to launch a joint search-and-rescue operation with the police, vigilantes and local hunters.
During the operation, the security team made contact with the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle. The attackers, overwhelmed by the coordinated response and superior firepower of the security forces, abandoned all the captives and fled into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
The rescued victims comprised six adult males, six adult females and four children. They are currently undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.
The operation, however, recorded casualties among the security personnel. One local hunter who participated in the rescue operation was killed, while a police officer sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The Nigerian Army said the successful rescue demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained joint operations and cooperation among security agencies and local security stakeholders in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Army also commended members of the public for providing timely and credible information, urging citizens to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.