- Security forces say swift response led to release of all victims shortly after abduction in Yagba West
Nigerian Army troops, working with the Kogi State Vigilante Service and local vigilante groups, rescued four kidnapped people in Ejiba community in Yagba West Local Government Area, according to a security source cited by a counterinsurgency analyst.
The victims, three residents of the community and a Hausa man, were abducted on Thursday, Nov. 12, according to Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency expert who reported the incident.
A security source told Makama that the kidnapping was reported promptly to security operatives, who mobilised alongside local vigilante groups and launched a rescue operation. The joint response led to the rescue of all four victims shortly after the incident, the source said.
Kogi Reports could not independently verify the account, and there was no immediate official statement from the Nigerian Army or Kogi State authorities. The identities of the victims and the circumstances of the abduction were not disclosed. It was also unclear whether any suspects were arrested.
The source said the operation showed the importance of timely intelligence sharing and cooperation between conventional security forces and community-based security groups in tackling kidnapping and other crimes.
The rescue is expected to reassure residents of Ejiba and neighbouring communities, particularly farmers who have continued to face security concerns while accessing their farmlands.
Troops said they would maintain patrols and surveillance across Yagba West to prevent further attacks and ensure residents’ safety.
