By Sunday Apah
Nigerian Army personnel has successfully extricated nine persons who had been abducted, demonstrating a rapid and decisive response to a kidnapping incident on the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road within the Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue endeavour was executed by troops stationed at Patrol Base Itobe, following intelligence reports indicating that suspected kidnappers had ambushed travelers and seized several passengers along the aforementioned route.
Upon reaching the scene, military personnel discovered a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle abandoned at the roadside, with all occupants unaccounted for.
Without hesitation, the troops initiated a pursuit operation, utilizing the escape route of the fleeing perpetrators.
This operation led the soldiers to the periphery of Adumu Community in the Dekina Local Government Area, where they engaged the kidnappers.
During the subsequent exchange of gunfire, the military forces overpowered the criminals through superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their captives and retreat into the dense foliage with what appeared to be gunshot injuries.
The operation culminated in the successful liberation of nine kidnapped victims, identified as two elderly men, two elderly women, four additional adult males, and one infant.
The rescued individuals were promptly secured and subsequently transferred to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for requisite processing and reunification with their families.
Concurrently, troops are maintaining an active pursuit of the fleeing abductors, with coordinated search operations ongoing to locate any remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the assault.
The Nigerian Army reaffirms its steadfast dedication, in conjunction with other security agencies, to safeguarding lives and property nationwide.
Citizens are urged to continue their support for security operations by furnishing timely and credible intelligence, thereby facilitating swift responses to criminal acts.
