Sixteen people abducted by suspected kidnappers in Kogi State have been rescued by security forces following a coordinated search operation.
The victims were taken on Sunday when armed men attacked commuters along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Appolonia Anele, said the rescue operation involved troops, personnel of the Nigerian Navy and police, as well as local vigilantes and hunters.
According to the statement, the joint team encountered the fleeing kidnappers during the operation, leading to a gun battle between both sides.
The army said the attackers, unable to withstand the superior firepower of the security personnel, abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds.
All 16 victims were subsequently rescued. They comprised six adult men, six adult women and four children.
The rescued persons are currently undergoing documentation and medical checks before being reunited with their families, the army said.
However, the operation was not without casualties, as a vigilante member was killed while a police officer sustained injuries.
16 Kidnap Victims Rescued After Security Forces Clash With Kogi Bandits
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