Posted by Chinenye on Tue 12th May, 2026 - tori.ng
Thirteen kidnapping victims have been rescued by the Vigilante Group of Nigeria Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Federal Capital Territory Command, after a coordinated operation in the Egume area of Anyigba, Kogi State.
The Vigilante Group of Nigeria Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Federal Capital Territory Command, Abuja, has successfully rescued 13 kidnapping victims from the Egume area of Anyigba in Kogi State.
The victims were abducted on April 26, 2026, while travelling from Calabar, Cross River State, to Abuja to attend a programme.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the squad's commander, Idris Girinya, the rescue operation was executed at approximately 4 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Girinya stated that the operation was spearheaded by Suleiman Abiodun of Kubwa, popularly known as "Evil Spirit," with the backing of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria's Kogi State Command and the Nigeria Police Force.
The victims had spent nearly two weeks in captivity before being freed.
The rescued individuals were identified as Pastor Victor Edet Okon, Mercy Victor Okon, Bassey Bassey Ekpenyong, Sarah Bassey Ekpenyong, Evangelist Perfect Bomba, Christian George, Mary God's Will Asuquo, Mary Bassey Kanu, Rita Effiom, Maria Undie, Mary Joseph, Iboro Johnson, and Prosper Ebuara.
The command did not provide information on whether any suspects were apprehended during the operation or whether a ransom was paid prior to the victims' release.
The rescue comes amid growing concern over the increasing frequency of kidnappings along major highways and in communities across Kogi State and other parts of the country, with both security agencies and local vigilante groups stepping up efforts to tackle the problem.