Army Troops have rescued nine kidnapped commuters after engaging suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta-Itobe Road in Kogi State, with efforts continuing to locate other possible victims.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine commuters abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta-Itobe Road in Kogi State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Ofu Local Government Area, according to an operational report made available to journalists in Abuja.
The report said suspected kidnappers attacked commuters travelling along the road and abducted an unspecified number of passengers.
Troops of 21 Battalion, deployed at Patrol Base Itobe, were mobilised to the scene following the attack.
On arrival, the troops reportedly found an abandoned Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle believed to have been used by the victims.
The soldiers subsequently followed the suspected kidnappers’ withdrawal route and made contact with them around Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area.
The troops engaged the suspected kidnappers, forcing them to abandon the abducted commuters and flee into the surrounding area.
Nine victims were subsequently rescued. The rescued group comprised two elderly men, two elderly women, four other men and an infant. The victims were taken to the Police Area Command in Itobe for further action and support.
The Army said efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue any other victims who may still be in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.
The latest operation comes amid continued security concerns along major roads in parts of Kogi State, where security agencies have intensified efforts to prevent attacks on commuters and disrupt kidnapping operations.
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