The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued 309 hostages and arrested 129 suspected terrorists during a large-scale, coordinated security operation spanning Kogi and Kwara states, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced on Tuesday, January 14, 2026.
In a statement released by the Force Headquarters, the multi-agency operation, which involved tactical units of the Police, military, DSS, and local vigilantes, also resulted in the neutralisation of 55 armed suspects in fierce gun battles.
The rescued victims, comprising women, children, and elderly persons, had been held captive for periods ranging from days to months in various forest hideouts used by bandit groups and terrorist elements operating along the Kogi-Kwara border axis.
According to the police, the operation targeted notorious camps in the thick forests of Okene, Adavi, and Okehi in Kogi State, as well as parts of Baruten and Kaiama in Kwara State areas long identified as hotspots for kidnapping, cattle rustling, and armed robbery.
Key recoveries include:
Large cache of sophisticated weapons (AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally fabricated arms)
Over 200 rounds of ammunition
Motorcycles and vehicles used for raids
Foodstuffs and other items looted from communities
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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, commended the gallantry of the operatives and reiterated the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the country.
“These successes demonstrate our resolve to protect lives and property. We will not rest until every Nigerian can sleep with both eyes closed,” the IGP stated.
The rescued hostages have been reunited with their families and are receiving medical attention and psychosocial support.
This major operation is seen as a significant blow to banditry and kidnapping syndicates in North-Central Nigeria, following months of sustained intelligence-led efforts.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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