Nigerian Military Frees Sixteen Hostages From Captivity In Kogi State

The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force,NPF,  local vigilantes and hunters, rescued 16 persons help captive by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State.

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‎The victims were abducted on Sunday, August 9,by armed criminals along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.

‎Reports says that the Army  rescue operation followed credible intelligence that trailed where the victims had been moved to in  the vicinity of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.

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‎According to a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard immediately launched a joint search and rescue operation with the Nigeria Police Force, vigilantes and local hunters.

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‎It added that the kidnappers were overwhelmed by the “superior firepower and coordinated assault” of the security forces and subsequently abandoned their captives before escaping into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.

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‎The rescued victims comprised six adult males, six adult females and four children.

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‎The Army said the victims were undergoing documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.

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‎However, a local hunter who participated in the operation was killed during the encounter, while a police personnel sustained injuries and was receiving medical treatment.

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‎The Army commended the courage and commitment of the local hunter and injured police personnel in protecting the victims.

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‎It said the successful rescue of the 16 abducted persons underscored the effectiveness of sustained joint operations and the synergy among the Nigerian Army, sister security agencies and local security stakeholders in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

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‎It also reaffirmed the resolve of security forces to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the country.

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‎The Nigerian army praised members of the public for their cooperation and timely provision of credible information, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities.

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