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Army-led joint security forces rescued all 16 kidnap victims, including four children, after tracking the abductors to a forest hideout in Kogi State through credible intelligence.
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Suspected kidnappers fled with gunshot wounds after a fierce firefight with troops, abandoning their captives as security forces tightened the noose around them.
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One local hunter lost his life while a police officer was injured during the operation, underscoring the risks faced by security personnel and community volunteers.
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The Nigerian Army says the successful mission reflects the growing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and renewed efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks across the North-Central region.
August 11, (THEWILL) — A coordinated operation by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies has led to the rescue of 16 kidnapped victims in Kogi State after a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers.
The operation, carried out by troops of the 21 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in conjunction with personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters, followed actionable intelligence indicating that the abducted victims had been moved to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the victims were abducted on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed criminals ambushed commuters travelling along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to the statement, troops immediately launched a joint search-and-rescue mission after receiving credible intelligence on the kidnappers’ location, coordinating efforts with naval personnel, police operatives, local vigilantes and hunters.
The security team subsequently intercepted the fleeing kidnappers, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“During the operation, the joint security team established contact with the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce firefight. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordinated assault of the security forces, the criminals abandoned all their captives and escaped into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds,” the Army stated.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of all 16 victims, comprising six adult men, six adult women and four children, without any reported casualty among the rescued civilians.
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Military authorities said the victims are undergoing documentation, medical examination and psychological assessment before being reunited with their families.
Despite the successful outcome, the operation recorded casualties on the side of the rescue team.
The Army disclosed that one local hunter who joined the operation was killed during the gun battle, while a police officer sustained injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
It described the fallen hunter as a courageous patriot who paid the ultimate price in the service of his community and praised all members of the joint task force for their bravery and professionalism.
The latest rescue comes as security agencies intensify coordinated operations across Kogi and other North-Central states following a resurgence of kidnappings targeting motorists, rural communities and inter-state travellers. Kogi’s strategic location as a gateway linking the North and the South has made several of its highways attractive to criminal gangs seeking ransom from victims.
In recent months, the Nigerian Army has strengthened intelligence-driven operations and collaboration with sister security agencies, while state governments have continued to mobilise local vigilantes and hunters to improve surveillance in rural communities and forests used as criminal hideouts.
The Army said the successful operation demonstrates the growing effectiveness of joint security operations in disrupting kidnapping syndicates and denying criminals safe havens.
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It also commended residents for providing credible and timely intelligence that aided the rescue mission, urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements, stressing that ongoing collaboration among the armed forces, police, local security outfits and communities remains critical to restoring safety on highways and across vulnerable communities nationwide.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
