The victims were allegedly kidnapped on April 26, 2026, while en route to Abuja for a program from Calabar, Cross River State.

The rescue operation took place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at around 4 a.m., according to a statement released on Tuesday by Idris Girinya, Commander of the VGN Anti-Kidnapping Squad.

According to Girinya, Suleiman Abiodun of Kubwa, also referred to as “Evil Spirit,” spearheaded the operation with assistance from the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria.

“On Saturday, May 9, 2026, at around 4 a.m., the Nigerian vigilante group rescued 13 kidnapped victims in the Egume area of Anyigba Kogi State. The victims were captured while traveling to Abuja for a program from Calabar Cross River State.”

“With the full support of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria Kogi State Command and Nigerian Police Force, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of Vigilante Group of Nigeria Command led by Suleiman Abiodun of Kubwa (A.K.A. Evil Spirit) were able to rescue the kidnapped victims who had been in captivity since April 26, 2026,” the statement stated.

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 were among the victims who were saved.

Whether any arrests were made during the operation or whether a ransom was paid before the victims were rescued was not disclosed by the command.

The rescue occurs at a time when security forces and local vigilante groups are stepping up their efforts to battle the growing number of kidnapping incidents along major highways and villages in Kogi State and other parts of the nation.