Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine kidnapped commuters after overpowering suspected kidnappers during a gun battle along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The troops, deployed at Patrol Base Itobe, launched the operation after receiving reports that suspected kidnappers had ambushed commuters and abducted passengers along the highway.
Upon arrival at the scene, the soldiers discovered an abandoned Toyota Hiace bus and Toyota Sienna vehicle by the roadside, with the occupants nowhere to be found.
The troops immediately commenced a pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, exploiting the route taken by the criminals as they withdrew with their captives.
The pursuit led the soldiers to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, where they made contact with the kidnappers.
A gun battle subsequently ensued, with the troops overwhelming the criminals through superior firepower. The pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush, with some suspected to have sustained gunshot wounds.
The operation resulted in the rescue of nine victims comprising two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and an infant.
The rescued commuters were evacuated to safety before being handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further necessary action and reunification with their families.
The Army has meanwhile sustained the pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, as coordinated search operations continue in an effort to rescue any remaining victims and apprehend those behind the attack.
The operation highlights the continued efforts of security forces to protect commuters and disrupt kidnapping activities along major routes in Kogi State.
