The Kogi government has commended security forces for rescuing 21 kidnapped victims in the Dekina council area.

The information commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo, gave the commendation in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Fanwo said that the rescue operation demonstrated tactical excellence and effective collaboration among security agencies and local security groups.

He said that the victims, comprising eight males and 13 females, were rescued on Monday, August 31, by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service, hunters and vigilantes.

According to him, the operation followed reports of the abduction of commuters on the Alloma-Ejule-Itobe road axis.

He said that acting on credible intelligence, the security teams conducted coordinated searches of the Egume and Ochaja forest areas, leading to the rescue of all 21 victims.

Mr Fanwo said one of the rescued male victims sustained a gunshot wound and was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

Governor Ahmed Ododo commended President Bola Tinubu for equipping security agencies to combat violent crimes effectively across the country.

Mr Ododo also commended the heads, officers and men of the various security agencies involved in the operation for their courage and effective response.

“Criminals will always regret stepping their feet on Kogi. We will never wag our tails before cowards who take arms against the state. Kogi is always ready to obliterate any threat to lives and property in the state,” the governor said.

Mr Ododo specifically commended the national security adviser, chief of army staff, inspector general of police, director-general of the SSS, chief of naval staff, chief of air staff and commandant general of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The governor also appreciated local security operatives for their contribution to the successful operation. He assured residents that his administration would continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local security groups to protect lives and property across the state.

Mr Ododo urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security agencies, saying citizens’ support was vital in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

(NAN)