No fewer than 16 persons, including four children, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, have been rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army.
The victims were rescued barely two days after their abduction during a coordinated search and rescue operation involving the Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, local vigilantes and hunters.
The operation followed credible intelligence that the victims had been moved to the vicinity of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
Troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard subsequently launched a joint operation with the police, vigilantes and local hunters to locate the victims and track down their abductors.
During the operation, the security team made contact with the fleeing kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle.
Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and coordinated assault of the security forces, the kidnappers abandoned all 16 victims and fled into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, 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.
However, one local hunter who participated in the operation was killed during the encounter, while a police officer sustained injuries and was receiving medical treatment.
The Army commended the courage and commitment of the local hunter and the injured police officer, as well as other personnel involved in the operation.
It said the successful rescue demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained joint operations and cooperation among security agencies and local security stakeholders in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“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. It also reflects the resolve of security forces to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the country,” the military said.
The Army also commended members of the public for providing credible and timely information, describing public cooperation as critical to efforts to protect lives and restore peace.
It urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies.