Kogi Police Rescue 15 Kidnap Victims in Fierce Battle

The Kogi State Police Command successfully rescued 15 victims who were abducted along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in the Ofu Local Government Area during a joint operation on Sunday. The operation involved the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, and other security personnel.

Commissioner of Police Kankarofi Bello reported that the incident occurred around 4 PM when kidnappers intercepted a Peace Mass Transit bus and abducted its occupants. Following the incident, Bello ordered the mobilization of tactical and intelligence assets, leading to a fierce gun battle with the kidnappers.

Several abductors were killed, while a local vigilante operative lost his life and a police officer sustained injuries. The operation resulted in the safe rescue of 12 adults and three children, including two personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps.

All victims were found unharmed and were being moved to safety. Ongoing efforts are in place to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.