The Kogi State Government has commended security forces for rescuing 21 kidnapped victims in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday, August 31, 2026, by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the police, DSS, local hunters and vigilantes.
The operation followed reports of the abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road. Acting on intelligence, the security forces searched the Egume and Ochaja forests and successfully rescued all 21 victims.
One of the male victims sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Governor Usman Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies for their support, while assuring residents that his administration would continue to strengthen security collaboration across the state.
“Criminals will always regret setting foot in Kogi State. We will never wag our tails before cowards who take arms against the state,” Ododo said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies to help combat kidnapping and other crimes.
Advertisement