A coordinated operation by the Kogi State Joint Security Forces has led to the rescue of at least 22 kidnapped victims, including church worshippers abducted during religious activities in Kwara State, after weeks and months in captivity.
It was gathered that the victims regained their freedom on Saturday night following a fierce and sustained offensive against criminal hideouts in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.
The operation was carried out by the Kogi State Joint Security Forces, comprising personnel of the military, police, local hunters and vigilante groups, whose coordinated actions reportedly mounted intense pressure on the kidnappers, forcing them to release the captives.
Among those rescued are four residents of Idofin-Igbana, who were kidnapped about three months ago in early April 2026; 15 worshippers from Ikerin church in Eda Oniyo, who were abducted on April 28, 2026, while attending a night vigil and held captive for over 60 days; and three of the remaining eight worshippers from ECWA Church, Omugo, who were kidnapped in early April 2026 while attending a church service.
Sources disclose that the rescued victims have begun reuniting with their families after regaining their freedom on Saturday night.
Confirming the development to newsmen on Sunday, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, said the successful operation forced the kidnappers to abandon many of their captives.
“A fierce and coordinated operation by Kogi State Joint Security Forces comprising the Military, Police, Hunters and Vigilante groups has forced the release of many captives held in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border,” the security group said.
The group added, “The relieving news filtered in last night as freed victims began reuniting with their families.”
The Joint Security Watch identified those released as follows: “Four people from Idofin-Igbana, kidnapped about three months ago in early April 2026.
“Fifteen Ikerin church worshippers from Eda Oniyo, abducted on April 28, 2026, during a vigil and held captive for 60 days. Three of the remaining eight worshippers from ECWA Church, Omugo, kidnapped in early April 2026 while worshipping.”
The security group further disclosed that several other victims, whose identities had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report, also regained their freedom during the operation.
It noted that the rescue underscored the effectiveness of the intensified security operations being conducted in the border forests, which have witnessed repeated incidents of kidnappings in recent months.
The Joint Security Watch praised the courage and commitment of the security personnel involved in the operation.
It said, “There are also others yet to be identified who regained their freedom from the same proactive actions in Kogi State.”
Expressing gratitude over the successful rescue, the group added, “We give glory to God for answered prayers. We commend the bravery and sacrifice of the Kogi State Joint Security Operatives.”
It further prayed for the victims’ recovery and improved security across the region, stating, “We pray for the full healing of all victims and for lasting peace across Kwara South and all our border communities.”
The rescue comes amid growing concerns over repeated kidnappings targeting residents and worshippers in communities across Kwara South and adjoining border areas with Kogi State, where criminal gangs have continued to exploit forest corridors for their operations.
On June 3, 2026, five worshippers abducted by terrorists during an attack on the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, had reportedly died while in captivity.
Among the victims was the wife of the church minister, Pastor Omole. The tragic development was revealed by one of the abductees who managed to escape and shared details of the ordeal.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed to newsmen that reports emerging from the kidnappers’ den indicated that five of the abductees were feared dead after spending several weeks in captivity.
