The Kogi State Government has confirmed the rescue of all victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja, bringing a reassuring end to the incident.
The confirmation was made by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo on Wednesday.
He disclosed that the victims were freed following coordinated search-and-rescue operations by troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the statement, the final phase of the operation, carried out in the early hours of May 6, 2026, led to the safe recovery of five boys, two girls, and two adult females from the Agbaja Forest axis in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The rescued victims have since been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving appropriate care and attention.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo commended the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their courage, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.
He also acknowledged the resilience of the victims and their families, reiterating that the protection of all residents remains the foremost priority of his administration.
“This successful operation underscores our determination to ensure that criminal elements have no foothold in Kogi State. We will continue to strengthen our security architecture, deepen intelligence gathering, and provide the necessary support for our security agencies to act swiftly and decisively,” the Governor stated.
Governor Ododo further expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support towards sustaining security and stability in Kogi State, as well as to heads of security agencies nationwide for their collaboration.
The administration reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on kidnapping and other violent crimes, urging citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information.
It assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure they are brought to justice.
