Security forces have rescued 16 kidnapped persons, including four children, following an operation against suspected kidnappers in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims — six males, six females and four children — were reportedly abducted on Aug. 9 along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.
According to an operational report made available, security forces received intelligence that the victims had been sighted around Adumu community in Dekina and launched a search-and-rescue operation.
Troops of 21 Battalion and Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, alongside the police, vigilantes and Hybrid Forces, reportedly engaged the suspected kidnappers, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee.
The operation, however, resulted in the death of one member of the Hybrid Forces, while a police officer sustained injuries. The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the police in Ajaokuta for further action.
The military said the operation demonstrated the importance of collaboration among security agencies and local security groups in tackling kidnapping and protecting communities in Kogi State.
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