Ado Salisu
The Kogi State Police Command has rescued 15 victims abducted along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area of the state following a gun battle with their abductors.
The incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026, between Ojuwo Ajengo and Mamerebo, a known kidnapping flashpoint along the Itobe–Achigili section of the highway.
According to a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Salisu Oyiza Afusat, the victims were abducted after a Peace Mass Transit bus was intercepted by gunmen.
The statement said the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, immediately ordered the mobilisation of tactical and intelligence assets to locate the abductors and secure the safe rescue of the victims.
The operation reportedly resulted in a fierce gun battle between the security operatives and the abductors, during which several of the criminals were neutralised while others fled into the surrounding area.
However, a local vigilante personnel supporting the police operation was killed during the encounter, while a police officer sustained gunshot injuries.
Despite the resistance, the operatives successfully closed in on the abductors’ location and rescued all 15 victims directly from their custody.
The rescued victims comprised 12 adults and three children, including two personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The victims were reportedly found safe and unharmed and are being moved from the operational area to safety.
The rescued victims were identified as CRC I. Ibe and 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 Command said further details would be made available after the safe return of the rescued victims and the completion of ongoing operational procedures.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing abductors as the Command sustains tactical and intelligence-driven operations in the area.
The Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in apprehending criminal elements.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and disrupting criminal activities across Kogi State.