SaharaReporters gathered that the victims regained their freedom on Saturday night following a fierce and sustained offensive against criminal hideouts in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.
A coordinated operation by the Kogi State Joint Security Forces has led to the rescue of at least 22 kidnapped victims, including church worshippers abducted during religious activities in Kwara State, after weeks and months in captivity.
SaharaReporters gathered that the victims regained their freedom on Saturday night following a fierce and sustained offensive against criminal hideouts in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.
The operation was carried out by the Kogi State Joint Security Forces, comprising personnel of the military, police, local hunters and vigilante groups, whose coordinated actions reportedly mounted intense pressure on the kidnappers, forcing them to release the captives.
Among those rescued are four residents of Idofin-Igbana, who were kidnapped about three months ago in early April 2026; 15 worshippers from Ikerin church in Eda Oniyo, who were abducted on April 28, 2026, while attending a night vigil and held captive for over 60 days; and three of the remaining eight worshippers from ECWA Church, Omugo, who were kidnapped in early April 2026 while attending a church service.
