Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters, have rescued all 16 victims abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims were abducted on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads.
Acting on credible intelligence that the victims had been moved towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation with the police and local security stakeholders.
During the operation, the joint team made contact with the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a firefight.
The security forces, deploying superior firepower and coordinated tactics, forced the criminals to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of all 16 victims, comprising six adult males, six adult females and four children.
The rescued victims are undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.
However, the operation recorded a casualty among the local security volunteers, as one hunter who participated in the rescue effort was killed during the encounter.
One police officer also sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
The Nigerian Army commended the courage and sacrifice of the fallen hunter and the injured police personnel, as well as the commitment of all security personnel involved in the operation.
The successful rescue, the Army said, demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained joint operations and improved cooperation among the military, sister security agencies and community-based security stakeholders in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
It reaffirmed the security forces’ determination to deny criminal elements freedom of action and protect innocent citizens across the country.
The Army also commended members of the public for providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to ongoing efforts to protect lives and restore peace.
It urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities through appropriate security channels.
