The Nigerian Army says it has rescued nine commuters abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, the Army said troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe responded after receiving reports of an attack on commuters along the route. Troops arriving at the scene found a Toyota Hiace and a Toyota Sienna abandoned by the roadside and the passengers missing.
The statement said soldiers launched a pursuit and caught up with the kidnappers on the outskirts of Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area. Troops engaged the assailants in a firefight, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush.
“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 were rescued: two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and an infant. They were evacuated to safety and handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further action and reunification with their families.
The Army said it has sustained a pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers and that coordinated search operations are continuing to rescue any remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
It urged members of the public to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information, and reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to protecting lives and property across the country.
