The Kogi State Police Command has successfully rescued fifteen (15) victims abducted along the Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area, following an intense gun battle with their abductors.
The incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 9th August 2026, between Ojuwo Ajengo and Mamerebo, an identified kidnapping flashpoint along the Itobe–Achigili portion of the highway, when a Peace Mass Transit bus was intercepted and its occupants abducted.
Immediately the incident occurred, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, ordered the immediate mobilization of tactical and intelligence assets to locate the abductors and secure the safe rescue of the victims.
The operation, which was a joint effort involving the Police, military personnel of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, local Vigilante and auxiliary forces, led to a fierce gun battle with the abductors, during which several of the criminals were neutralised with others fleeing. Tragically, one of the local Vigilante personnel supporting the Police operation was killed in the encounter, while one Police officer sustained gunshot injuries.
Despite the heavy resistance encountered, the operatives successfully closed in on the abductors and rescued all fifteen (15) victims directly from their custody, including 2 FRSC personnel. The rescued victims comprises twelve (12) adults and three (3) children. They were found safe and unharmed and are currently being moved out of the operational area to safety.
The rescued victims are:
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 of the incident will be made available after the safe return of the rescued victims and completion of ongoing operational procedures.
Meanwhile, serious efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing abductors, as the Command continues to sustain tactical and intelligence-driven operations within the area to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. In addition to this operation, three other coordinated security operations are currently ongoing at different locations across the State, as the Command continues its sustained efforts to disrupt criminal activities and protect residents.
The Command urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely, credible information to support ongoing operations against criminal elements. The Kogi State Police Command remains firmly committed to the safety and security of residents, the protection of lives and property, and the sustained disruption of criminal activities across the State.
ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat
Police Public Relations Officer
Kogi State Police Command
10th August 2026
