Troops Rescue Five Kidnap Victims in Kogi, Force Abductors to Flee
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) hybrid forces, have rescued five kidnapped victims during an offensive operation in Yagba Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 1:45 a.m. on Oct. 16, 2026, from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Isanlu-Esa, targeting suspected kidnappers’ enclaves around Okoloke and Isanlu-Esa.
The troops reportedly made contact with the suspected kidnappers during the operation, forcing the abductors to flee and abandon their victims.
Five kidnapped persons were subsequently rescued and released to reunite with their families.
The successful operation highlights ongoing efforts by security forces to dismantle kidnapping networks and rescue victims held in forest hideouts across the region.
Security personnel are expected to sustain operations to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further abductions in the area.
