Nigerian Army Joint Forces Rescue 21 Kidnap Victims in Kogi Forest Operation
Lokoja, Kogi State – August 31, 2026 — In a coordinated and intelligence-driven operation, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilante groups, on Monday successfully rescued 21 people who had been kidnapped by armed criminals in Kogi State.
The victims—eight males and 13 females—were freed from hideouts in the Egume and Ochaja forest areas of Dekina Local Government Area.
The rescue followed reports of a mass abduction of road users along the busy Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis.
How the Operation Unfolded
Acting on credible intelligence, troops mobilised from Headquarters 21 Battalion and launched a joint search of the adjoining forests. The multi-agency team moved swiftly through the dense terrain, locating and extracting all 21 captives.
One male victim sustained a gunshot wound during the ordeal and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
The remaining rescued persons are currently in the custody of the troops while arrangements are being finalized to hand them over to the appropriate authorities for further documentation, medical checks, and reunification with their families.
Photographs released by the Army show groups of the survivors seated at a secure location, some appearing weary but safe, alongside an image of the injured man receiving care in a hospital bed.
Army Chief Commends Collaboration
Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu praised the troops and their partners for the courage, cooperation and commitment that made the rescue possible.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supplying timely, credible information to security agencies as part of the wider effort to dismantle kidnapping networks and other criminal activities.
The statement was issued by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 12 Brigade.
Persistent Threat Along Key Highways
Kogi State has recorded several kidnapping incidents along major transport corridors in recent weeks, particularly in Ofu and Dekina local government areas. Security agencies have responded with repeated joint operations involving the Army, police, other federal services, and local community defence groups.
Monday’s successful rescue underscores the value of rapid intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration in recovering victims before ransom demands escalate or conditions worsen.
For the families of those freed today, the news brings relief after hours of anxiety. For communities living along the affected routes, it is a reminder that while the threat of abduction remains real, determined and coordinated action continues to yield results.
Security sources indicate that follow-up operations are ongoing to track the fleeing kidnappers and prevent further attacks in the area.
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