The Kogi State Police Command has successfully rescued sixteen (16) 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.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, confirmed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Monday in Lokoja.
ASP Afusat said iImmediately the incident occurred, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi,, ordered the immediate mobilization of tactical and intelligence assets to locate the abductors and secure the safe rescue of the victims.
She said the operation, which was a joint effort involving the Police, military personnel of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, NSS LUGARD, DSS, NSCDC, local Vigilante and auxiliary forces, 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.
She said despite the heavy resistance encountered, the operatives successfully closed in on the abductors and rescued all sixteen (16) victims directly from their custody, including 2 FRSC personnel.
The police spokeswoman said the rescued victims comprises twelve (12) adults and three (4) children.
She said 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, Josephba, Joshua Daniel, Joy Ogbu, Chigocife Ogbu, Charity Aneebo, Ngozi Stephin, Somaliya Zegu, Chidera Emanuel, Pamela Oraeto, Abakwam Loveth, Chimereze Nekuma, Chibok Nzekwu, Victor Edozi Anyichie
She said further 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.
In addition to this operation, three other coordinated security operations are currently on-going at different locations across the State, as the Command continues its sustained efforts to disrupt criminal activities and protect residents.
The Command urged 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 said it 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.
