Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine more travellers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta-Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue came two days after a joint security team comprising military personnel, police officers, local vigilantes and hunters rescued 16 travellers abducted along the Ojuwo-Ajengo-Memarebo and Ojiwo-Itobe roads in the state.
According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, the latest operation was conducted by troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe after receiving reports that suspected kidnappers had ambushed commuters and abducted several passengers along the route.
The troops, on arriving at the scene, discovered a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle abandoned by the roadside, with their passengers missing.
The Army said the troops immediately launched a pursuit operation, exploiting the route used by the fleeing kidnappers.
The pursuit led the troops to the outskirts of Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area, where they made contact with the kidnappers.
‘During the ensuing firefight, the troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower, compelling them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds,’ the statement said.
The operation resulted in the rescue of nine victims comprising two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and an infant.
The Army said the rescued victims were immediately evacuated to safety before being handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further action and reunification with their families.
It added that troops had sustained the pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, while coordinated search operations continued to rescue any remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.