The Nigerian Army-led joint security team has rescued 16 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.

The victims were rescued during a coordinated search and rescue operation involving the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the victims were abducted on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

Anele said the security forces acted on credible intelligence indicating that the victims had been moved to the vicinity of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.

She said troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard subsequently launched a joint search and rescue operation alongside the police, vigilantes and local hunters.

“During the operation, the joint security team established contact with the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a fierce firefight,” Anele said.

According to her, the kidnappers were overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordinated assault of the security forces and abandoned all their captives before escaping into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.

The rescued victims comprised six adult males, six adult females and four children.

Anele said the victims were undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.

Local hunter killed in rescue

However, the operation came at a cost, as one local hunter who participated in the rescue effort was killed during the encounter.

“One local hunter who participated courageously in the operation paid the supreme sacrifice,” the Army spokesperson said.

She added that one police officer was also injured during the encounter and was receiving medical treatment.

Anele commended the security personnel and local stakeholders for their courage and commitment to protecting innocent citizens.

She described the successful rescue as a demonstration of “the effectiveness of sustained joint operations and the synergy among the Nigerian Army, sister security agencies and local security stakeholders in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.”

The Army also commended members of the public for providing credible information that contributed to the operation.

Anele urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through appropriate channels.

“The Nigerian Army commends members of the public for their continued cooperation and timely provision of credible information, which remains critical to ongoing efforts to protect lives and restore peace,” she said.