Army Rescues 9 Kidnap Victims After Kogi Road Ambush

Nigerian Army troops have rescued nine commuters abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area, Kogi State.

The Army said the victims were rescued on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, after troops responded to reports of an attack along the route.
Troops from Patrol Base Itobe found a Toyota Hiace bus and Toyota Sienna abandoned by the roadside, with their passengers missing.

They subsequently launched a pursuit operation, following the route reportedly taken by the fleeing kidnappers towards Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.

Troops eventually made contact with the criminals, triggering a gunfight that forced them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush.

The rescued victims comprised two elderly men, two elderly women, four adult men and one infant.

The victims were evacuated to safety before being handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command.

Police personnel are expected to facilitate further documentation and reunification with the victims’ families.

The Army said troops have continued searching the area for the remaining abductees and pursuing the suspected kidnappers.

The incident adds to recent security operations around Kogi’s Ofu-Dekina axis, where troops and other security agencies have intensified efforts against kidnapping.

The Army urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support rapid responses to criminal activities.