Security forces have rescued 21 kidnapped victims, including 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, following a joint search-and-rescue operation in a forest area between Egume and Ochaja in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The victims were abducted after bandits attacked and kidnapped road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road in Kogi State on Aug. 26.
Zagazola Makama reports that the rescue operation was conducted on Aug. 31 by a joint team comprising troops of the 12 Brigade, personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) from Dekina LGA.
According to a military security update obtained by Zagazola Makama, the joint team encountered the suspected kidnappers at about 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 31 in their makeshift camp within the forest.
The security team launched a surprise assault on the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon their captives.
The operation subsequently led to the rescue of a total of 21 victims, comprising eight males and 13 females.
