Joint security forces led by the Nigerian Army rescued 15 kidnapped victims from the forest hideout of their abductors in Ajaokuta and Itobe areas of Kogi State.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the operation was launched based on credible intelligence of the victims’ location, with the use of tear gas to dislodge the kidnappers.

Those rescued included Joe Stephen (35), Gift Alex, Samaila Mohamed, Sani Mahamud, Abbas Sani, Abdullahi Aminu, Ibrahim Gambo, Ishaku Ibrahim, and Muhammed Salisu.

The remaining six victims were responding to treatment in hospitals. Statements were obtained from the rescued individuals, and investigations have commenced.

In a separate rescue along the Ayere–Kabba road, Usman (m, Nasarawa State), Isah Idris (m, Niger State), and Morina William (f, Gombe State) were retrieved from a forest hideout after being abducted on 7 November. (Zagazola)