Soldiers rescue 11 passengers from kidnappers in Kogi

Nigerian security forces thwarted separate kidnapping attempts in Anambra and Kogi states within the last week, rescuing eleven passengers in the latter incident. In Anambra, police intercepted armed men on the Ogbakuba-Ossomala Road in Ogbaru Local Government Area on Tuesday. Simultaneously, soldiers in Kogi State recovered eleven individuals from kidnappers near the Kabba-Ayere Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area following an engagement that began on Sunday. The Anambra State Police Command announced the disruption via a press statement released on Tuesday. Spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated that the incident occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. Preliminary reports indicated that the suspects, described as wielding AK-47 rifles, blocked the highway and discharged weapons sporadically. Their actions appeared intended to abduct unsuspecting motorists. Ikenga attributed the success of the intervention to a joint security team conducting offensive operations against armed secessionist groups in the region. The rapid response of these operatives disrupted the criminals' activities and prevented the abduction. Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama commended the personnel for their professional conduct. He reaffirmed the command's dedication to intelligence-driven operations designed to dismantle criminal networks and protect lives. Oji Ama assured residents that security measures in the area remain active. He urged the public to maintain vigilance and report suspicious movements to authorities immediately. In Kogi State, the Nigerian Army detailed its rescue operation in a statement issued on Monday. Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 12 Composite Brigade, explained that troops based in Kabba were on routine patrol when they received credible intelligence regarding suspected terrorists targeting passengers in a commercial vehicle. Upon arrival, soldiers engaged the attackers, compelling them to release the hostages and retreat into nearby bushes. Initial efforts resulted in the rescue of nine passengers, including the driver. Three individuals, comprising the driver and two passengers, sustained injuries and were evacuated for medical treatment. The commercial vehicle was subsequently transferred to relevant authorities. During a follow-up search conducted on Monday, military units located two additional passengers who had fled into the bush during the initial clash. This brought the total number of rescued individuals to eleven. Abdullahi noted that the operation reflects the army's commitment to enhancing commuter safety in Kogi State. The incident occurs amidst persistent security challenges in the region, where recent abductions and attacks have heightened fears among travelers. Recent reports include the abduction of Rosemary Adukwu, a councillor from Olamaboro Local Government Area, who was taken on September 30 while traveling to Onitsha. Her death was later confirmed by the local government chairman. Military officials emphasized the need for timely and reliable information from the public to support ongoing security initiatives. They pledged to continue denying criminal groups operational freedom while protecting residents and commuters throughout Kogi State. In Anambra, police indicated that further updates regarding the foiled kidnapping would be shared as necessary. Both agencies stressed the importance of cooperation between citizens and security forces to ensure regional stability.