Security forces in Kogi State have rescued 21 people, including 15 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), after they were abducted along the Itobe–Ajaokuta Highway.
The rescue operation, according to the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, resulted in the death of four suspected kidnappers following a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Kankarofi said security agencies moved quickly after receiving information that the victims had been taken into the bush.
He explained that a high-level security meeting involving the Brigade Commander, the police command and the Department of State Services (DSS) was held to coordinate the response.
A search-and-rescue operation was subsequently launched, with local vigilantes and hunters joining the security teams because of their familiarity with the surrounding terrain.
According to the commissioner, the operation eventually led security personnel to the suspected kidnappers’ hideout.
He said the security team reached the camp at about 4:00 p.m. on Monday, where a gun battle broke out between the operatives and the suspected kidnappers.
The security forces eventually overpowered the attackers and succeeded in bringing all the abducted corps members to safety.
However, the operation was not without casualties. Kankarofi said one corps member and another civilian sustained gunshot wounds to their right legs during the confrontation.
The commissioner said the victims had been travelling from Bayelsa State when they were attacked at about 5:00 p.m. after entering Kogi through the Itobe–Ajaokuta route.
Passengers travelling in another vehicle approaching from the opposite direction were also reportedly taken into the bush by the attackers.
Kankarofi disclosed that four suspected members of the kidnapping gang were killed during the gun battle, while several others fled after sustaining gunshot injuries.
He said security personnel had continued searching the area in an effort to locate the fleeing suspects and prevent them from regrouping.
Neighbouring security formations have also reportedly been alerted to assist in tracking the escaped suspects.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the incident, the police commissioner described it as an isolated attack and maintained that Kogi remains largely peaceful.
He assured residents and travellers that security agencies in the state remain prepared to respond to threats and urged the public not to be discouraged from travelling through the state.
