Army-Led Team Rescues 16 Kidnap Victims in Kogi, Hunter Killed

A joint security team led by the Nigerian Army has rescued 16 people abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The victims were kidnapped on Sunday, August 9, after armed men attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads.

Following intelligence indicating that the abductees had been taken towards Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area, troops of the 21 Battalion launched a search operation with personnel from the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, the Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.

The security team tracked the fleeing kidnappers to the area, where a gun battle broke out between the two sides.

According to the Army, the combined force overwhelmed the attackers with coordinated firepower, forcing them to abandon the captives and escape into the surrounding forest. Some of the suspects were reportedly wounded during the encounter.

The rescued group comprises six adult men, six adult women and four children.

Following their recovery, the victims were taken through documentation and medical assessment as authorities prepared to reunite them with their families.

The operation, however, resulted in the death of a local hunter who was participating in the search. A police officer also sustained injuries during the confrontation and is receiving medical treatment.

The Army commended the personnel and local stakeholders involved in the operation, describing the successful recovery of the abductees as an indication of the importance of coordinated security efforts in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Security authorities have continued efforts to locate the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks along major routes in the area.

The Army also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious movements or activities in their communities.