Joint Force Rescues 16 Kidnap Victims in Kogi

​KOGI STATE — A combined team of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, and local security stakeholders has successfully rescued 16 commuters who were abducted by suspected bandits along major highways in Kogi State.

​The successful rescue operation follows a harrowing weekend incident on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed criminals ambushed and seized travellers along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.

​According to military reports, intelligence channels tracked the movement of the heavily armed abductors, who had marched their captives into the dense forest terrain surrounding the Adumu community in the neighbouring Dekina Local Government Area.

​A multi-agency tactical force comprising troops from the 21 Battalion, personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes, and hunters was immediately mobilized to trail the outlaws.

​The security operatives caught up with the fleeing kidnappers near the Adumu forest enclave, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. Outgunned by the coordinated assault and superior firepower of the joint security team, the criminals abandoned their captives and fled deeper into the canopy with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

​All 16 hostages—comprising six adult males, six adult females, and four children—were safely recovered without physical harm. The freed victims have since been processed for medical evaluation and documentation before being reunited with their respective families.

​Heavy Toll on Security Forces

​Despite the operation’s resounding operational success, security forces suffered casualties during the gun battle. A local hunter attached to the joint team made the supreme sacrifice, laying down his life in defense of innocent citizens. Additionally, a police officer sustained injuries during the firefight and is currently receiving medical attention.

​Military authorities have paid glowing tribute to the fallen local operative and the injured policeman, praising their unyielding bravery.

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​Synergy Applaud

​The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, emphasized that the seamless rescue underscores the vital impact of inter-agency cooperation and grassroots intelligence in tackling violent crimes across the country.

​Security chiefs have reiterated their resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of movement and action, urging members of the public to maintain high vigilance and continue assisting security agencies with timely, credible information.