Kogi Vigilante Service Rescues Seven Kidnap Victims in Okene, Foils Kidnapping Attempt in Zariagi

LOKOJA, Kogi State

Operatives of the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS) have rescued seven kidnap victims from a kidnappers’ hideout in Overe Forest, Okene Local Government Area, and foiled a separate kidnapping attempt at the Deeper Life Camp in Zariagi, along Kabba Junction, in two operations conducted on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

The service’s Public Relations Officer, Idris S. Idris, said the rescue in Overe Forest followed intelligence reports, while the operation at Zariagi was launched after operatives received a distress call at about 2:12 a.m.
Idris said operatives of the KSVS Okene Command, working with local hunters, tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in Overe Forest. The suspects reportedly opened fire on the team but fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds after being overpowered, abandoning all seven captives, who were subsequently rescued.

KSVS Foils Kidnapping Attempt at Zariagi

In a separate incident at about 2:12 a.m. on the same day, operatives of the KSVS Zariagi Sub-Command responded to a distress call at the Deeper Life Camp, Zariagi, along Kabba Junction.

According to Idris, the operatives exchanged gunfire with the suspected kidnappers, forcing them to abandon the attempt and flee. The service did not disclose whether any arrests were made in connection with either incident.

KSVS Chief Commends Operatives, Thanks Ododo

Reacting to the operations, the Comptroller-General of KSVS, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Anataku, commended the operatives for their courage and professionalism, urging them to sustain efforts against kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.

He also thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his continued support, noting its importance to the service’s security operations.

KSVS Urges Public to Share Security Information

Anataku urged residents to provide security agencies with timely, actionable information to help prevent crime, track suspected criminals and protect lives and property.