By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine kidnapped commuters following a swift response to an attack along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday.
According to the statement, troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe received reports that suspected kidnappers had ambushed commuters and abducted several passengers along the route.
On arrival at the scene, the troops found a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle abandoned by the roadside, with all passengers missing.
The statement said the troops immediately launched a pursuit operation and tracked the fleeing criminals to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, where contact was established.
“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.
The operation resulted in the rescue of nine victims comprising two elderly men, two elderly women, four adult males and one infant.
The rescued victims were evacuated to safety and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further action and reunification with their families.
The Army said troops have sustained pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, with coordinated search operations ongoing to rescue any remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
It reassured the public of its unwavering commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to protecting lives and property across the country, and urged citizens to provide timely and credible information to aid security operations.
