By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
Troops of 12 Brigade under 2 Division Nigerian Army, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and Vigilante Group of Nigeria, have rescued 21 kidnapped victims in a joint search and rescue operation within the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch of Kogi State.
Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi,
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations
12 Brigade Nigerian Army said, “The operation, conducted on 31 August 2026, followed the mass kidnapping of road users along the Alloma, Ejule and Itobe road axis, as earlier reported by the Brigade.
Following credible information on the whereabouts of the victims, the joint team, comprising troops of 12 Brigade, personnel of the collaborating security agencies, local hunters and vigilantes from Dekina Local Government Area, mobilised from 21 Battalion Headquarters and commenced a coordinated search operation within the surrounding forest areas.
During the operation, the joint team successfully located and rescued all 21 kidnapped victims, comprising 8 males and 13 females, within the Egume and Ochaja forest stretch.
Unfortunately, one of the male victims sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. He was immediately evacuated to the 21 Battalion Medical Reception Station for medical attention.
The rescued victims are currently receiving attention at 21 Battalion Headquarters, while further measures are being taken to facilitate their safe reunification with their families and the appropriate authorities.
The Commander, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended the troops and all collaborating security personnel for their courage, determination and effective coordination which led to the successful rescue of the victims. He further assured members of the public that the Brigade, in collaboration with other security agencies, will continue to sustain aggressive search and rescue operations aimed at protecting lives and ensuring the safety of road users within its Area of Responsibility.
The Nigerian Army also urges members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
