Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Nigerian Army has rescued nine commuters abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta-Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State after a gun battle with the attackers.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, the Army said troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe acted swiftly after receiving reports of an attack on commuters along the route.
According to the statement, soldiers who arrived at the scene found a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna abandoned by the roadside, while the passengers had been taken away by the kidnappers.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation and tracked the suspects to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
The Army said the operation resulted in a firefight during which the kidnappers were forced to flee.
“During the ensuing firefight, the troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower, compelling them to abandon their captives and fled into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
Nine victims were rescued during the operation, including two elderly men, two elderly women, four adult males and an infant.
“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to safety and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further necessary action and reunification with their families,” the Army added.
The military said efforts were continuing to track down the fleeing suspects and rescue any remaining victims.
“Troops have sustained the ongoing pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, with coordinated search operations continuing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack,” the statement said.
The Army also called on members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the country.
