Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine kidnapped commuters after engaging suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle 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 busy route.
On arrival at the scene, the troops found a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna abandoned by the roadside, with their occupants nowhere to be found.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation, tracking the kidnappers through their withdrawal route. The trail led them to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, where they made contact with the fleeing criminals.
A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, with the troops overpowering the kidnappers with superior firepower. The criminals were forced to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
The operation resulted in the rescue of nine victims, comprising two elderly men, two elderly women, four adult males and an infant.
The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to safety and later handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further action and reunification with their families.
Meanwhile, troops have intensified the pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, with coordinated search operations ongoing to rescue any remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the country in collaboration with other security agencies.
It also urged members of the public to support security operations by providing timely and credible information that could aid the swift response to criminal activities.
