A rescued kidnapping victim, Joshua Daniel, has recounted his experience after being abducted by armed criminals along roads in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Daniel was among victims rescued during a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, Navy, Police, local vigilantes and hunters. The Army said the operation led to the rescue of 16 captives, comprising six adult men, six adult women and four children.

Speaking at the Kogi State Police Command, Daniel said he attempted to escape while the abductors were holding the victims. He was injured during the attempt and remained wounded until the following morning, when he received assistance.

He said the abductors spoke Igala, Fulani and Hausa, adding that the use of different languages made it difficult for the captives to understand their conversations.

Another rescued victim, Ngozi Stephen, said the abductors demanded ransoms ranging from ₦50m to ₦100m from different captives and made threats against those unable to pay.

According to the Army, the kidnappers fled after security forces engaged them, abandoning the captives. The rescued victims were subsequently taken for documentation and medical assessment before being reunited with their families.

The Army commended the participating security agencies and local stakeholders, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information about suspicious activities.