Troops Rescue 21 Kidnap Victims in Kogi Forests
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and vigilante groups, have rescued 21 victims abducted by suspected kidnappers in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims were rescued on Monday, August 31, 2026, during a coordinated search operation conducted in the Egume and Ochaja forest areas, following reports of a mass abduction along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis.
Acting on credible intelligence, the security forces mobilised from the Headquarters of 21 Battalion and launched a comprehensive search of the surrounding forests in an effort to locate the abducted road users.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of all 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females. One of the male victims, however, sustained a gunshot wound and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
The rescued victims are currently under the care of the troops, with arrangements underway for their formal handover to the appropriate authorities.
The successful operation underscores the importance of coordinated efforts among security agencies and local stakeholders in responding to kidnapping incidents and safeguarding communities and road users.
Commending the personnel involved, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, praised the troops, other security agencies, local hunters and vigilantes for their courage, cooperation and commitment to the operation.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to assist ongoing operations against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led and coordinated operations aimed at protecting lives, securing communities and denying criminal elements freedom of action across the country.
Troops Rescue 21 Kidnap Victims in Kogi Forests