Security forces have rescued 16 kidnapped victims, including four children, during an operation against suspected bandits in Kogi State.
The victims were abducted on August 9 after suspected bandits attacked commuters along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.
According to intelligence sources who spoke to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the security forces received information at about 11:30 am on August 10 that the victims had been seen around Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area.
Following the information, troops of the 21 Battalion and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard, working with the Nigeria Police, local vigilantes and hybrid forces, launched a search-and-rescue operation.
The security forces later located the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle.
The pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding area.
However, one member of the hybrid forces was killed during the gun battle, while a police officer was injured.
The rescued victims comprised six men, six women and four children.
The victims have been handed over to the Nigeria Police, Ajaokuta Division, for further action.
Meanwhile, security forces are continuing efforts to track down the fleeing kidnappers.