Security forces have successfully rescued 16 people, including four children, who were abducted by suspected bandits in Kogi State.
The victims were kidnapped on August 9 when armed men attacked commuters along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.
Acting on intelligence received around 11:30 a.m. on August 10 that the captives had been sighted near Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area, troops from the 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard launched a joint search-and-rescue operation.
They worked alongside the Nigeria Police, local vigilantes and hybrid forces.The security team located the kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle. Under pressure, the abductors abandoned their victims and fled into the surrounding area.
One member of the hybrid forces was killed in the exchange of fire, while a police officer sustained injuries.
The 16 rescued victims, six men, six women and four children have been handed over
