By Peace Erewunmi

Security forces have rescued 16 kidnapped victims following a gun battle with suspected bandits in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The rescued victims comprised six males, six females and four children, according to an operational report made available by the security authorities.

The victims were reportedly abducted on Sunday, August 9, 2026, when armed criminals attacked commuters along roads linking Ojuwo, Ajengo, Memarebo and Itobe in Kogi State.

Security personnel subsequently launched an operation to track down the attackers and rescue the victims. The operation resulted in a confrontation with the suspected kidnappers in the Dekina area.

However, the rescue operation came at a cost. One member of the Hybrid Forces was killed, while a police officer sustained injuries during the gun battle.

The rescued victims were later handed over to the Nigeria Police Force at the Ajaokuta Division for further processing and reunification with their families.

The latest operation highlights the continued security challenges along major roads and rural communities in Kogi State, where kidnapping and armed attacks have remained a concern.

Security agencies have continued to intensify operations against criminal groups across the country, with recent joint operations also resulting in the rescue of hundreds of kidnapping victims in other parts of northern Nigeria.