Army, Police, DSS Rescue 21 Kidnap Victims in Kogi Forests
Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in a coordinated joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and vigilante groups, have rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Kogi State.
The operation, conducted on Monday, August 31, 2026, targeted the Egume and Ochaja forest areas of Dekina Local Government Area following reports of the mass abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops and personnel of the collaborating security agencies mobilised from the Headquarters of 21 Battalion and launched a coordinated search of the adjoining forests.
The operation resulted in the successful rescue of all 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females.
However, one of the male victims sustained a gunshot wound during the incident and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for urgent treatment.
The rescued victims are currently in the custody of the troops, while arrangements are being made for their handover to the appropriate authorities.
Commending the troops and other personnel involved in the operation, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, praised their courage, cooperation and commitment, which contributed to the successful rescue mission.
The COAS also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the country.
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