Joint operation involving Army, Police, DSS, hunters and vigilantes frees eight men and 13 women from kidnappers.
The Kogi State Government has commended security forces for rescuing 21 kidnapped victims in Dekina Local Government Area, describing the operation as a demonstration of tactical excellence and effective inter-agency collaboration.
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, working with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilante groups.
The operation followed reports of the abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis. Acting on credible intelligence, the joint security team searched the Egume and Ochaja forest areas and successfully rescued all 21 victims.
One of the rescued male victims sustained a gunshot wound and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the state government praised the security agencies for the successful operation and said it reflected the determination of the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to combat criminality.
Governor Usman Ododo also commended President Tinubu for equipping security forces and praised the officers and other personnel involved in the rescue operation.
He vowed that the state would continue to resist threats to the lives and property of its residents, warning criminals against operating in Kogi State.