Security forces in Kogi State successfully freed 15 individuals who were kidnapped on the Itobe–Anyigba highway in Ofu Local Government Area. The rescue followed a intense shootout between law enforcement and the criminal group on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The victims, including 12 adults, three children, and two Federal Road Safety Corps members, were taken from a Peace Mass Transit bus earlier that day.
Commissioner of Police Naziru Bello Kankarofi directed a combined force, including the Nigerian Army, DSS, NSCDC, and local vigilantes, to locate the group in the dense forest. During the ensuing gunfire, multiple kidnappers were killed, though a local vigilante died and a police officer was wounded. All 15 captives were safely recovered and relocated.
The rescued individuals include CRC I. Ibe, SRC Ik. Ukandu, 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. Authorities are continuing their search for the suspects who escaped and are maintaining increased security presence across the region.
