Security forces in Kogi State have rescued 16 kidnapped victims, including four children, following an operation against suspected bandits in Dekina Local Government Area. A heartwarming video shows one of the rescued children thanking the soldier who carried her out of the forest after the operation.
Rescue Operation Details
The victims were kidnapped on August 9, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked three vehicles along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area. Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Monday, August 10, 2026.
According to the statement, information received at about 11:30 a.m. on August 10 indicated that the victims had been sighted around Adumu community in Dekina. Following the intelligence, troops of 21 Battalion and personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police, local vigilantes, and Hybrid Forces, launched a search-and-rescue operation in the area.
Gun Battle and Outcome
The security forces eventually made contact with the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the criminals to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding area. The encounter, however, resulted in the death of one member of the Hybrid Forces, while a police personnel sustained injuries.
The rescued victims comprised six males, six females, and four children. The video, posted by John Adama Akola, the Special Adviser on Security to Kogi State Governor, shows the emotional moment a little girl thanked the soldier who carried her out of the forest after the rescue.
Public Reaction and Aftermath
The video has been widely shared on social media, drawing attention to the bravery of the security forces and the traumatic experience of the victims. The rescued victims are expected to be reunited with their families, while security operations continue in the area to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
