Troops rescue 16 kidnapped victims in Kogi

Security forces in Nigeria's Kogi State have successfully rescued 16 kidnapped victims following a confrontation with suspected bandits in Dekina Local Government Area. The rescued group comprised six men, six women, and four children, who had been abducted on Saturday, August 9th, along roads in the Ofu Local Government Area.

The rescue operation was launched after intelligence indicated the victims were sighted near the Adumu community. It involved a coordinated effort by troops from the 21 Battalion, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, the police, vigilantes, and Hybrid Forces. The security forces engaged the kidnappers, compelling them to abandon their captives and flee.

During the encounter, one member of the Hybrid Forces was killed, and one police officer sustained injuries. The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the police in Ajaokuta for further processing. The military highlighted this operation as an example of the ongoing collaboration between various security agencies and local groups in combating kidnapping and ensuring victim recovery in Kogi State.