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Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine commuters abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta-Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue followed a swift response by troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe after receiving reports that suspected kidnappers had ambushed commuters and abducted several passengers along the route.
According to the Army, troops arrived at the scene and found a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle abandoned by the roadside, with all passengers missing.
“Acting without delay, the troops launched a pursuit operation, exploiting the withdrawal route of the fleeing criminals,” the Army said in a statement.
The troops eventually traced the kidnappers to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, where they engaged the criminals in a gunfight.
“During the ensuing firefight, the troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower, compelling them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
Nine victims, including two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and an infant, were rescued during the operation.
The rescued victims were evacuated to safety and later handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further action and reunification with their families.
Troops had continued the pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, with coordinated search operations underway to rescue other victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The Army also reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property in collaboration with other security agencies.
“Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting security operations by providing timely and credible information that will facilitate the prompt response to criminal activities,” it added.
NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS, RESCUE ANOTHER NINE ABDUCTED COMMUTERS IN KOGI
Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued nine kidnapped commuters following a swift response to a kidnap incident along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The… pic.twitter.com/yaGGrRUQB7
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) August 11, 2026
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