LOKOJA — The Kogi State Police Command has rescued 15 abducted victims following a fierce gun battle with kidnappers along the Itobe–Anyigba highway in Ofu Local Government Area .
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the victims, comprising 12 adults and three children, including two personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), were rescued during a coordinated security operation on Sunday .
The incident occurred at about 4 pm on August 9, 2026, when a Peace Mass Transit bus was intercepted between Ojuwo Ajengo and Mamerebo, a known kidnapping hotspot along the Itobe–Achigili axis .
CDA News Nigeria reports that the abductors took the bus occupants into the surrounding forest before security operatives mobilized to the area. Following the incident, Commissioner of Police CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi ordered immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence assets to track the abductors .
The operation involved personnel of the police, 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, and local vigilantes. According to Police Public Relations Officer ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, operatives engaged the abductors in a fierce gun battle. Several kidnappers were neutralized while others fled with gunshot injuries .
A local vigilante member supporting the operation was killed, while a police officer sustained gunshot injuries. Despite the resistance, security operatives rescued all 15 victims unharmed .
The rescued victims are: CRC I. Ibe, SRC Ik. Ukandu (both FRSC personnel), Josephbah, Joshua Daniel, Joy Ogbu, Chigocife Ogbu, Charity Aneebo, Ngozi Stephin, Somaliya Zegu, Chidera Emanuel, Pamela Oraeto, Abakwam Loveth, Chimereze Nekuma, Chibok Nzekwu, and Victor Edozi Anyichie .
The police confirmed efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing abductors. Three other coordinated security operations are ongoing across the state to disrupt criminal activities .
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