By joshua
KOGI POLICE RESCUE 15 ABDUCTED PASSENGERS IN GUN DUEL, NEUTRALISE SEVERAL KIDNAPPERS ON ITObE–ANYIGBA HIGHWAY
The Kogi State Police Command has successfully rescued fifteen (15) persons abducted on the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area, following a coordinated operation and intense exchange of fire with their captors.
The abduction occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 9th August 2026, between Ojuwo Ajengo and Mamerebo, a known hotspot along the Itobe–Achigili stretch of the highway, when a Peace Mass Transit bus was intercepted and its passengers taken into the bush.
On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, immediately directed the deployment of tactical teams and intelligence units to track the abductors and secure the release of the victims.
In a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police, personnel of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, local Vigilantes and other auxiliary security outfits, operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle. Several of the abductors were neutralised while others escaped with gunshot injuries. Unfortunately, one Vigilante member supporting the operation paid the supreme price, and one Police officer sustained gunshot wounds.
Despite the resistance, security forces pressed on and located the den where the victims were held. All fifteen (15) persons were rescued unhurt directly from the kidnappers’ custody. They include two (2) FRSC personnel. The victims comprise twelve (12) adults and three (3) children and have been moved to a safe location for medical checks and debriefing.
Names of the rescued victims:,
1. CRC I. Ibe – FRSC personnel
2. SRC Ik. Ukandu – FRSC personnel
3. Josephbah
4. Joshua Daniel
5. Joy Ogbu
6. Chigocife Ogbu
7. Charity Aneebo
8. Ngozi Stephin
9. Somaliya Zegu
10. Chidera Emanuel
11. Pamela Oraeto
12. Abakwam Loveth
13. Chimereze Nekuma
14. Chibok Nzekwu
15. Victor Edozi Anyichie
Further details will be released upon conclusion of ongoing operational procedures and the safe return of the victims to their families.
Meanwhile, manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing. The Command has also activated three other coordinated operations in different parts of the State to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen security across Kogi.
The Kogi State Police Command calls on members of the public to remain alert and continue to provide credible information that will aid security operations. We remain resolute in our commitment to protect lives and property, and to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven in the State.
Signed:
ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat
Police Public Relations Officer
Kogi State Police Command
10th August, 2026