Army, police, DSS rescue 21 kidnapped victims in Kogi

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — Troops of the 12 Brigade, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, DSS, local hunters and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, have rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Kogi State.

The victims were rescued on Monday, August 31, 2026, during a joint search and rescue operation in the Egume and Ochaja forest axis of the state.

The operation followed the mass abduction of road users along the Alloma, Ejule and Itobe road corridor, the Army said.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, who disclosed this in a statement, said the joint team launched the operation following credible information on the whereabouts of the victims.

According to him, troops of 12 Brigade and personnel of the collaborating security agencies, alongside local hunters and vigilantes from Dekina Local Government Area, mobilised from the 21 Battalion Headquarters and commenced a coordinated search of the surrounding forests.

He said the operation led to the successful rescue of all 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, from the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch.

Abdullahi, however, said one of the male victims sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the incident.

He said the victim was immediately evacuated to the 21 Battalion Medical Reception Station for medical attention.

“The rescued victims are currently receiving attention at 21 Battalion Headquarters, while further measures are being taken to facilitate their safe reunification with their families and the appropriate authorities,” he said.

The Commander, 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended the troops and other security personnel involved in the operation for their courage, determination and effective coordination, which he said contributed to the successful rescue.

He assured residents and road users that the brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain search and rescue operations to protect lives and improve safety within its area of responsibility.

The Army also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information to support efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

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