Troops of 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in a joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilantes, have rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Kogi State. The victims were rescued on 31 August 2026 from the Egume and Ochaja forest areas of Dekina Local Government Area, following reports of the abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road.
Acting on credible intelligence, the security team conducted a coordinated search of the adjoining forests, leading to the rescue of eight males and 13 females. One male victim sustained a gunshot wound and was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment. The rescued victims are currently in the custody of the troops pending handover to the appropriate authorities.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops and other security personnel for their courage and cooperation, while urging the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.