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By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Kogi State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of all victims abducted from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja, bringing relief and joy to families, residents, and well-wishers across the state.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo in Lokoja on Wednesday.
The government disclosed that the victims regained their freedom following coordinated search-and-rescue operations carried out by troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the state government, the final phase of the operation was successfully executed in the early hours of May 6, 2026, leading to the safe rescue of five boys, two girls, and two adult women from the Agbaja Forest axis in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility where they are currently receiving medical attention and proper care.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed deep appreciation to the officers and men of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for what he described as their bravery, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.
The governor also commended the resilience and courage shown by the victims and their families throughout the traumatic period, assuring residents that the protection of lives and security of communities remain the top priority of his administration.
“This successful operation underscores our determination to ensure that criminal elements have no foothold in Kogi State. “We will continue to strengthen our security architecture, deepen intelligence gathering, and provide the necessary support for our security agencies to act swiftly and decisively,” the governor stated.
Governor Ododo further expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support towards sustaining peace and security in Kogi State, while also appreciating heads of security agencies,nationwide, for their collaboration and dedication to duty.
The Kogi State Government reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against kidnapping and other violent crimes, urging citizens to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The government assured residents that efforts were ongoing to track down and prosecute those behind the abduction, stressing that perpetrators of criminal acts would not escape justice.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
