At least 22 kidnapped victims, including 15 church worshippers who had spent weeks and, in some cases, months in captivity, have regained their freedom after a major security operation along the Kwara-Kogi border.
The victims were rescued following a coordinated offensive by the Kogi State Joint Security Forces, which reportedly forced kidnappers to abandon several captives hiding in forest camps used for their operations.
The rescue operation, carried out on Saturday night, involved personnel of the military, the Nigeria Police Force, local hunters and vigilante groups. Their sustained assault on criminal hideouts mounted intense pressure on the kidnappers, leading to the release of the victims.
Among those rescued were four residents of Idofin-Igbana who were abducted about three months ago in early April 2026.
Also freed were 15 worshippers from the Ikerin Church in Eda Oniyo, Kwara State, who were kidnapped on April 28, 2026, while attending a night vigil and held captive for more than 60 days.
Three members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo, who were among worshippers abducted during a church service in early April 2026, also regained their freedom.
Sources said the freed victims had already begun reuniting with their families after returning from captivity.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South, described the operation as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to rid the forests along the Kwara-Kogi border of criminal gangs.
According to the security group, “A fierce and coordinated operation by Kogi State Joint Security Forces comprising the Military, Police, Hunters and Vigilante groups has forced the release of many captives held in forests along the Kwara-Kogi border.”
It added that the good news emerged on Saturday night as victims began returning home to their loved ones.
The group identified those rescued as four people from Idofin-Igbana, 15 church worshippers from Ikerin Church in Eda Oniyo, and three members of ECWA Church, Omugo. It also disclosed that several other victims, whose identities had yet to be confirmed as of the time of the report, were equally freed during the operation.
According to the Joint Security Watch, the successful rescue demonstrates the impact of intensified security operations targeting criminal hideouts in the border forests, which have witnessed repeated cases of kidnappings in recent months.
The organisation praised the courage and sacrifice of the security personnel involved, saying, “We give glory to God for answered prayers. We commend the bravery and sacrifice of the Kogi State Joint Security Operatives.”
It also prayed for the complete recovery of the victims and lasting peace across Kwara South and neighbouring border communities.
The latest rescue comes weeks after reports that five worshippers abducted during an attack on ECWA Church in Omugo, Oro Ago District of Ifelodun Local Government Area, allegedly died while in captivity.
Among those reported dead was the wife of the church’s minister, Pastor Omole. The heartbreaking development was disclosed by one of the abductees who escaped from the kidnappers’ den and recounted the ordeal.
The fresh operation has renewed hope for families of other victims still believed to be in captivity, as security agencies continue efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks operating across the Kwara-Kogi border corridor.
