The Kogi State Government has commended the joint security forces for successfully rescuing 21 kidnapped victims in Dekina Local Government Area, describing the operation as a demonstration of tactical excellence and effective collaboration among security agencies.
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday, August 31, 2026, following a coordinated operation by troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilante groups.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the state government said the operation demonstrated the determination of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government to intensify the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
The operation followed reports that road users had been abducted along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis in Dekina Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence, the joint security teams conducted a coordinated search operation across the Egume and Ochaja forest areas, where they successfully located and rescued all 21 victims.
One of the rescued male victims sustained a gunshot wound during the incident and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
The state government described the successful rescue as a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to protect residents and road users from criminal elements operating in parts of Kogi State.
Governor Usman Ododo expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as the Federal Government’s support and efforts towards equipping security agencies to effectively combat violent crimes across the country.
He also commended the heads of the various security agencies and the officers and men who participated in the rescue operation.
Ododo said the successful operation demonstrated the courage, coordination and determination of the security personnel involved.
“Criminals will always regret setting foot in Kogi State. We will never wag our tails before cowards who take arms against the state. Kogi is always ready to obliterate any threat to lives and property in the state,” the governor said.
The governor specifically commended the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff for their roles in strengthening the country’s security architecture.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local security operatives involved in the operation.
According to the governor, the successful rescue further demonstrated the importance of cooperation among conventional security agencies and community-based security structures in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Ododo assured residents that his administration would continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local security structures to improve the protection of lives and property across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely intelligence to security agencies whenever they observe suspicious activities or movements.
The governor stressed that the cooperation of residents remained critical to the success of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and prevent further attacks.
The rescue comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Kogi State, particularly along major roads and forest corridors that have previously been vulnerable to kidnapping.
The successful operation is expected to provide further impetus to the state government’s efforts to strengthen security collaboration and intelligence-led operations across vulnerable communities.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring the affected areas and maintaining security presence to prevent the kidnappers from regrouping or launching further attacks.
The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting security agencies in their efforts to make Kogi State safer for residents, travellers and businesses.