Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies and local security groups, have rescued 21 kidnap victims in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi.

The victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday during a coordinated search operation in the Egume and Ochaja forest areas.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, in Abuja.

Abdullahi said the operation followed reports of the abduction of road users along the Alloma-Ejule-Itobe road axis.

He added that troops of 12 Brigade, alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilantes, mobilised from 21 Battalion to search the forests.

“Acting on credible intelligence, troops of 12 Brigade, alongside personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, local hunters and vigilantes, mobilised from 21 Battalion.

“The joint team subsequently conducted an extensive search of adjoining forests, leading to the successful rescue of all 21 victims,” he said.

Abdullahi, however, said one of the male victims sustained a gunshot wound during the incident and was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

He noted that the rescued victims were currently in the custody of the troops, pending their handover to the appropriate authorities.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops and personnel of the collaborating security agencies for their courage and effective cooperation.

Shaibu also commended the local hunters and vigilantes for their contribution to the successful operation.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

Shaibu added that sustained public cooperation remained critical to ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality across the country.