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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Disasters & Emergencies

Nigerian forces rescue 16 kidnap victims in Kogi, one hunter killed

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Nigerian security forces rescued 16 kidnapped victims in Kogi State after engaging abductors in a firefight.
  • The operation, involving the Army, Navy, Police, vigilantes, and hunters, successfully freed six men, six women, and four children.
  • One local hunter was killed and a police officer injured during the rescue, highlighting the risks involved in combating violent crime.

Nigerian security forces have successfully rescued 16 individuals who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in the Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The joint operation, a collaboration between the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes, and hunters, culminated in a fierce firefight with the abductors.

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

— Army statementDescribing the engagement with the abductors during the rescue mission.

According to a statement from the Army's Acting Director of Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, the victims were seized on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed criminals attacked commuters along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads. Intelligence led troops and naval personnel to the Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, where the joint security team engaged the kidnappers.

The superior firepower of the security forces overwhelmed the criminals, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the forest with gunshot wounds. The rescued group comprised six adult males, six adult females, and four children. They are currently undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.

Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordinated assault of the security forces, the criminals abandoned all their captives and escaped into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.

— Army statementExplaining how the kidnappers were subdued and the victims freed.

Tragically, the operation resulted in the death of one local hunter who participated in the rescue effort, and a police officer sustained injuries. The Army commended the collaborative efforts, emphasizing the effectiveness of joint operations in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies to aid in restoring peace.

The successful rescue of the 16 victims underscores 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.

— Army statementHighlighting the success of inter-agency cooperation in fighting crime.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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