Kogi Kidnapping: Security Operatives Successfully Rescue 16 Hostages

Heroic Rescue in Kogi: 3 Pastors Among 16 Freed by Security Forces

On January 20, 2025, security operatives in Kogi State successfully rescued 16 kidnapped individuals, including three pastors, who had been abducted in Ofu Local Government Area.

The victims were ambushed by gunmen around 11 p.m. while returning from a crusade in Ejule.

Following the abduction, a coordinated search operation was launched by the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies.

The rescue mission culminated in a confrontation with the kidnappers in a forested area.

After a two-hour gun battle, the assailants fled, leaving the abductees behind.

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, commended the bravery of the security operatives involved in the operation.

He expressed relief that all victims were safely rescued and reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring Kogi remains hostile to criminal activities.

The pastors, who were guest ministers at the crusade, were abducted on their way to their guest house after the second day of the three-day event.