Security forces have rescued 16 people abducted by suspected bandits in Kogi State, including four children.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on August 9 when armed men attacked commuters along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area of the state.
Security personnel received information around 11:30 a.m. on August 10 that the abducted persons had been sighted near Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area.
Following the information, troops of the 21 Battalion, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, police officers, local vigilantes and hybrid security personnel launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
During the operation, the security team located the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle.
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The sustained pressure reportedly forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and escape into the surrounding area.
However, the operation came at a cost, as one member of the hybrid security team was killed during the confrontation, while a police officer sustained injuries.
The rescued victims comprised six men, six women and four children.
They were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police at the Ajaokuta Division for further assistance and investigation.
Security personnel have continued efforts to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects as operations in the area intensify.
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