Police save 15 kidnap victims, eliminate their captors in Kogi

The Kogi State Police have saved 15 people who were kidnapped along the Itobe, Anyigba Highway in the Ofu Local Government Area. This happened after a serious gunfight with the kidnappers.

The victims were freed during a joint effort by the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, and other security personnel.

Kankarofi Bello, the Commissioner of Police, shared this news on Monday during a press conference at the command headquarters in Lokoja.

Bello explained that the incident took place around 4pm on Sunday, between Ojuwo Ajengo and Mamerebo. This area is known for kidnapping along the Itobe, Achigili part of the highway.

He said that kidnappers intercepted a Peace Mass Transit bus and took its passengers. He quickly ordered the deployment of tactical and intelligence teams to find the kidnappers and rescue the victims.

The operation led to a heavy gun battle between security forces and the kidnappers. Several kidnappers died, while others ran away.

Sadly, a local vigilante helping with the operation was killed, and a police officer was shot and injured.

Bello mentioned that the security teams eventually located the kidnappers and rescued all 15 victims from their hold. The rescued group included 12 adults and three children, among them two members of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

All the victims were found safe and in good health. They were being moved out of the area to ensure their safety.

The rescued victims were identified as CRC I. Ibe, SRC Ik. Ukandu, Josephbah, Joshua Daniel, Joy Ogbu, Chigocife Ogbu, Charity Aneebo, Ngozi Stephin, Somaliya Zegu, Chidera Emanuel, Pamela Oraeto, Abakwam Loveth, Chimereze Nekuma, Chibok Nzekwu, and Victor Edozi Anyichie.

The commissioner stated that more details about the incident would be shared after the victims were safely returned and the ongoing operations were completed.

Bello also said efforts were continuing to catch the escaping kidnappers. The police command is focusing on tactical and intelligence-led operations in the area.

He revealed that three other coordinated security operations are happening in different parts of the state to tackle crime and protect residents.

Bello urged the public to stay alert and share timely, reliable information with security agencies to aid in the fight against crime.

"The Kogi State Police Command is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of residents, protecting lives and property, and disrupting criminal activities throughout the state," he emphasized.