The Kogi State Government has commended the joint security forces for the successful rescue of 21 kidnapped victims in Dekina Local Government Area of the state, describing the operation as a demonstration of tactical excellence and effective inter-agency collaboration.
In a press statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the State Government said the successful operation further demonstrated the determination of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government to make criminality a regrettable trade for criminals.
The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday, August 31, 2026, by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, working with the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilante groups.
The operation followed reports of the abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis. Acting on credible intelligence, the security teams conducted a coordinated search of the Egume and Ochaja forest areas, leading to the successful rescue of all 21 victims.
One of the rescued male victims sustained a gunshot wound and was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
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Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for equipping the nation’s security forces to effectively combat violent crimes across the country. He also commended the heads of the various security agencies as well as the officers and men who participated in the operation.
“Criminals will always regret stepping their feet on 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.
Governor Ododo also 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, the Chief of Air Staff, the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and all local security operatives for their organisational acumen, courage and effective response to the incident.
The Governor assured the people of Kogi State that his administration would continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local security structures to protect lives and property across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that the collective support of citizens remains vital to the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.
Kingsley Femi Fanwo
Commissioner for Information and Communications
Kogi State
1st September, 2026
