Troops Rescue Nine Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle With Abductors in Kogi
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 21 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have rescued nine kidnapped commuters following an attack by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on August 11, 2026, when the suspected kidnappers attacked commuters travelling along the busy route and abducted an unspecified number of passengers.
Troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving information about the incident.
A military source told Zagazola Makama that the troops arrived at the location and found a Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle abandoned, with their passengers missing.
The troops subsequently exploited the withdrawal route used by the kidnappers and tracked them towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.
The troops eventually made contact with the kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle.
Unable to withstand the troops’ firepower, the criminals were forced to abandon the kidnapped victims and flee into the surrounding area.
The troops successfully rescued nine victims, comprising two elderly men, two elderly women, four men and one infant.
The rescued victims were handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further necessary action and support.
Military sources said efforts are continuing to track the fleeing kidnappers and rescue other victims who may still be in captivity.
