From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued the remaining nine inmates and workers of a Lokoja-based orphanage that were kidnapped by gunmen on April 27, 2026.
They were rescued in collaboration with other security agencies.
Kingsley Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications confirmed the rescue of the pupils in a statement in Lokoja late Wednesday.
He said the rescue of the pupils of Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage in Lokoja, has brought relief and joy to families, residents, and well-wishers across the state.
Fanwo said : ” The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to a military medical facility where they are currently receiving medical attention and proper care,” he said.
The statement said 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.
Ododo assured 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.
