Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine kidnapped commuters following a swift response to an ambush by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue operation was carried out by troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe after receiving reports that suspected kidnappers had attacked commuters and abducted several passengers along the busy route.
The Army, in a statement, said the troops arrived at the scene and discovered an abandoned Toyota Hiace bus and Toyota Sienna vehicle by the roadside, with all the passengers missing.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation, exploiting the route taken by the fleeing kidnappers.
According to the Army, the pursuit led the troops to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, where they made contact with the criminals.
A firefight subsequently ensued, during which the troops overwhelmed the kidnappers with superior firepower.
The Army said the criminals were forced to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush, with some of them suspected to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Nine kidnapped commuters were rescued during the operation.
The rescued victims comprised two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and an infant.
The Army said the victims were immediately evacuated to safety before being handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further necessary action and reunification with their families.
Meanwhile, troops have continued the pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, with coordinated search operations ongoing to rescue any remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in collaboration with other security agencies across the country.
It also urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in responding promptly to criminal activities.
The latest operation underscores the continued security challenge along major highways in Kogi State, particularly routes linking communities and commercial centres, and the ongoing efforts by security agencies to protect commuters from kidnapping and other criminal attacks.
