Kogi Governor Extols Joint Forces After 21 Kidn*p Victims Freed

The Kogi State Government has officially praised the combined security forces for their successful operation in rescuing 21 abducted individuals within the Dekina Local Government Area. The government characterized the mission as a clear display of outstanding tactical execution and robust inter-agency cooperation. According to a statement released on Tuesday by Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, this successful intervention further solidifies the commitment of President Bola Tinubu's Federal Government to ensure that criminal endeavors are met with severe consequences for perpetrators.

The victims, comprising eight males and thirteen females, were safely recovered on Monday, August 31, 2026. The rescue was carried out by troops from the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), as well as local hunters and vigilante groups. This coordinated effort was launched after reports emerged concerning the kidn*pping of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis.

Acting on reliable intelligence, the security teams executed a well-coordinated search operation across the Egume and Ochaja forest areas, which culminated in the successful liberation of all 21 captives. One of the male victims sustained a gunshot wound during the ordeal and was promptly transported to a medical facility for urgent care.

Governor Usman Ododo conveyed his profound gratitude to President Bola A Tinubu for adequately equipping the nation's security forces to effectively combat violent crimes nationwide. He also extended his appreciation to the leadership of the various security agencies, alongside all the officers and personnel who participated in the rescue mission. Governor Ododo firmly stated, “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.”

Furthermore, Governor Ododo acknowledged 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, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as all local security operatives, for their organizational prowess, bravery, and swift response to the incident. The governor reassured the citizens of Kogi State that his administration remains dedicated to strengthening its collaboration with security agencies and local security networks to safeguard lives and property throughout the state. He appealed to residents to maintain vigilance and consistently provide credible and timely intelligence to security agencies, emphasizing that the collective support of citizens is crucial in the ongoing battle against kidn*pping and other forms of criminality.