Troops Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims in Kogi

By Babangida Abdullahi Gusau

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, police, local vigilantes and hunters, have rescued 16 people abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The victims, comprising six adult males, six adult females and four children, were abducted on Sunday, August 9, when armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads.

According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the victims were subsequently moved towards Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area.

She said troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, acting on credible intelligence, launched a joint search-and-rescue operation with the police, vigilantes and local hunters.

The security team eventually made contact with the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle.

Anele said the kidnappers, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the security forces, abandoned the victims and fled into the forest with gunshot wounds.

“All 16 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued,” she said, adding that they were undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.

However, a local hunter was killed during the operation, while a police officer sustained injuries and is receiving treatment.

The Army commended the security personnel and local hunters involved in the operation for their courage and commitment to protecting civilians.

It also praised members of the public for providing credible information that contributed to the successful rescue operation.

The Army urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide security agencies with timely information on suspicious activities to support ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes.