The Nigerian Army has rescued nine commuters abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Army, in a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, said the victims were rescued after troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe responded to a distress report concerning an attack on commuters along the route.
According to the statement, the troops arrived at the scene and discovered a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle abandoned by the roadside, while the passengers had been taken away.
The troops subsequently commenced a pursuit operation, tracing the kidnappers’ escape route to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
The Army said the troops engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their captives and escape into the surrounding bush.
“During the ensuing firefight, the troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower, compelling them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
It said the operation led to the rescue of nine victims, including two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and an infant.
“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to safety and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further necessary action and reunification with their families,” it added.
The Army said efforts were still underway to track the fleeing kidnappers, while coordinated search operations continued in a bid to locate other victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
“Troops have sustained the ongoing pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, with coordinated search operations continuing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack,” the statement said.
The Army called on members of the public to assist security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could facilitate rapid responses to criminal activities.
“The Nigerian Army reassures members of the public of its unwavering commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to protecting lives and property across the country,” it said.
