Operatives of the Kogi State Police Command have rescued fifteen (15) passengers abducted along Itobe–Anyigba Highway in Ofu Local Government Area of the state, after an intense gun battle with their abductors.
The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, who briefed journalists on the development at Command’s Headquarters in Lokoja on Monday, said that the incident occurred at about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 9th August 2026, between Ojuwo Ajengo and Mamerebo.
CP Kankarofi said a Peace Mass Transit bus was intercepted and its occupants abducted at an identified kidnapping flashpoint along the Itobe–Achigili portion of the highway.
The Commissioner of Police stated that after receiving the report of the incident, he 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 neutralized, 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 comprise twelve (12) adults and three (3) children. They were found safe and unharmed and are currently being moved out of the operational area.
“The rescued victims include: CRC I. Ibe – FRSC personnel, SRC Ik. Ukandu – FRSC personnel, 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,” he said.
The CP further stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing abductors with sustain tactical and intelligence-driven operations by the Command within the area to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely, credible information to support ongoing operations against criminal elements.
CP Kankarofi explained that the command remains committed to the safety and security of residents, the protection of lives and property, as well as the sustained disruption of criminal activities across the State.
Veteran journalist and recipient of A.B.C Yola, Reporter of the Year Award (1997), Hassan Umar Shallpella, works with WAP as a Regional Correspondence. He was trained at Institute of Mass Communication and Technology Jos and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Training School Lagos.He was a News desk Editor and a Correspondent at the Punch newspaper and till 2019, was the Deputy Editor ofThe Scope newspaper.
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