KOGI STATE POLICE COMMAND HAS RESCUED 15 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS

KOGI STATE POLICE COMMAND HAS RESCUED 15 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS

KOGI STATE POLICE COMMAND HAS RESCUED 15 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS AFTER INTENSE GUN BATTLE, NEUTRALIZING SEVERAL ABDUCTORS, along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi state.

A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer ASP Sliu Oyoza Afusat says, this occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 9th August 2026, between Ojuwo Ajengo and Mamerebo, an identified kidnapping flashpoint along the Itobe–Achigili portion of the highway, when a Peace Mass Transit bus was intercepted and its passengers abducted.

Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi on receiving the information, ordered immediate mobilization of tactical and intelligence assets to locate the abductors and rescue the victims.

The operation, which was a joint effort involving the Police, military personnel of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, local Vigilante and auxiliary forces, led to a fierce gun battle with the abductors, during which several of the criminals were neutralized with others fleeing.

Tragically, one of the local Vigilante personnel supporting the Police operation was killed in the encounter, while one Police officer sustained gunshot injuries.

Despite the resistance, operatives successfully closed in on the abductors and rescued all fifteen (15) victims from their custody, including 2 FRSC personnel. The rescued victims comprise twelve adults and three children. They were found safe and unharmed and are currently being moved out of the operational area to safety.

Further details of the incident will be made available after the safe return of the rescued victims and completion of ongoing operational procedures.