Army rescues nine kidnapped victims in Kogi

Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued nine commuters who were abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Kogi State's Ofu Local Government Area.

The rescue operation was initiated following a rapid response by troops stationed at Patrol Base Itobe, who received intelligence about an attack on travelers. Upon reaching the scene, soldiers discovered an abandoned Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle, with the passengers missing. A pursuit operation commenced immediately, tracking the kidnappers' route to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.

During a subsequent firefight, the army reported that their superior firepower overwhelmed the criminals, compelling them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush, possibly with gunshot wounds. The nine rescued individuals comprised two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males, and an infant.

The victims were promptly taken to safety and transferred to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for necessary actions, including reunification with their families. The army stated that pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers and search operations for any other potential victims are ongoing. The public is urged to provide credible information to aid security operations.