Rescued Girl Thanks Soldier Who Carried Her Out of Forest in Kogi

Rescued Girl Thanks Soldier Who Carried Her Out of Forest in Kogi

A touching moment has emerged after a young girl rescued from kidnappers in Kogi State thanked the soldier who carried her to safety following a successful security operation.

Security forces rescued 16 kidnapped victims, including four children, during an operation targeting suspected bandits in Dekina Local Government Area of the state.

In a video shared by John Adama Akola, Special Adviser on Security to the Kogi State Governor, one of the rescued children could be seen expressing her gratitude to the soldier who carried her out of the forest.

The victims were reportedly abducted on August 9, 2026, after suspected bandits attacked three vehicles along the Ojuwo–Ajengo–Memarebo and Ojiwo–Itobe roads in Ofu Local Government Area.

The Nigerian Army later confirmed the rescue, stating that information received around 11:30 a.m. on August 10 indicated that the victims had been spotted near Adumu community in Dekina.

Troops from the 21 Battalion, personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard, the Nigeria Police, local vigilantes and Hybrid Forces subsequently launched a search-and-rescue operation.

According to the Army, the security team encountered the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle. The attackers eventually abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding area.

The emotional reunion and the little girl’s heartfelt appreciation for the soldier who carried her to safety have since captured attention online