21 Kidnapped Victims Rescued In Joint Operation In Kogi Forest
Twenty one kidnapped victims have been rescued by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in a joint search and rescue operation along the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch of Kogi State.
The operation, conducted on Monday, August 31, 2026, followed the mass abduction of road users along the Alloma, Ejule and Itobe road axis. Acting on credible intelligence about the location of the victims, troops mobilised from the 21 Battalion Headquarters alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, local hunters and vigilantes from Dekina Local Government Area.
The joint team subsequently combed the surrounding forest and successfully located all 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females. One of the male victims sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and was immediately evacuated to the 21 Battalion Medical Reception Station for treatment.
The rescued victims are currently receiving attention at the 21 Battalion Headquarters, while arrangements are being made for their safe reunification with their families and relevant authorities.
The Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended the troops and collaborating security personnel for their courage and coordination, assuring residents that the Brigade would sustain aggressive search and rescue operations to protect lives and road users within its area of responsibility.
