By Ado Salisu
The Kogi State Police Command has successfully rescued fifteen (15) victims abducted along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area, following an intense gun battle with their abductors.
The incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 9th August 2026, between Ojuwo Ajengo and Mamerebo, an identified kidnapping flashpoint along the Itobe–Achigili portion of the highway, when a Peace Mass Transit bus was intercepted and its occupants abducted.
A statement signed by ASP Salisu Oyiza Afusat , the command’s Public relations officer, said immediately the incident occurred, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, ordered the immediate mobilization of tactical and intelligence assets to locate the abductors and secure the safe rescue of the victims.
He said that the operation led to a fierce gun battle with the abductors, during which several of the criminals were neutralised with others fleeing.
Tragically, one of the local Vigilante personnel supporting the Police operation was killed in the encounter, while one Police officer sustained gunshot injuries.
The PRO added that despite the heavy resistance encountered, the operatives successfully closed in on the abductors and rescued all fifteen (15) victims directly from their custody, including 2 FRSC personnel.
The rescued victims comprise twelve (12) adults and three (3) children. They were found safe and unharmed and are currently being moved out of the operational area to safety.
The rescued victims are: CRC I. Ibe – FRSC personnel, SRC Ik. Ukandu – 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 statement Further said that the details of the incident will be made available after the safe return of the rescued victims and completion of ongoing operational procedures.
Meanwhile, serious efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing abductors, as the Command continues to sustain tactical and intelligence-driven operations within the area to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely, credible information to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.
The Kogi State Police Command remains firmly committed to the safety and security of residents, the protection of lives and property, and the sustained disruption of criminal activities across the State.