Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies and local security groups, have rescued 21 kidnapped victims in Kogi State, with the majority reportedly being members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were among those abducted in the area.

The rescue operation was carried out on Monday, August 31, 2026, by troops of the 12 Brigade in a coordinated operation with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and vigilante groups.

The operation followed reports of the mass abduction of road users along the Alloma–Ejule–Itobe road axis in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

Acting on credible intelligence, the security personnel mobilised from the Headquarters of the 21 Battalion and conducted a coordinated search of the adjoining forests.

During the operation, the joint team rescued 21 victims from the Egume and Ochaja forest areas.

The victims comprised eight males and 13 females, with the majority said to be the remainder of the NYSC members abducted during the attack.

One of the male victims, however, sustained a gunshot wound and was promptly evacuated to a medical facility for immediate treatment.

The Army said the rescued victims are currently in the custody of the troops, while arrangements are being made to hand them over to the appropriate authorities.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops, personnel of the other security agencies, local hunters and vigilantes for their courage, cooperation and commitment, which led to the successful rescue operation.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

The statement was signed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Monday, August 31, 2026.