SECURITY FORCES GUN DOWN 4 KIDNAPPERS, RESCUE 21 HOSTAGES -15 Corps Members, 6 Others Snatched From Highway Freed After Fierce Gun Battle

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By Frontline Reporters

KOGI — It was a dramatic showdown in the forests of Kogi State as joint security forces stormed a kidnappers’ hideout, killing four suspected abductors and rescuing 21 hostages, including 15 National Youth Service Corps members and six other victims.

The operation, which culminated in a fierce gun battle deep inside Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area, involved the police, military, Department of State Services (DSS), local vigilantes and hunters who helped security personnel navigate the difficult terrain.

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, who disclosed the details during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, said the security agencies moved swiftly after receiving the distress alert. An emergency meeting involving the Brigade Commander, Commissioner of Police and DSS Director was immediately convened, leading to the launch of a coordinated search-and-rescue mission.

According to Kankarofi, the victims were travelling from Bayelsa State when they ran into the kidnappers on the Itobe–Ajaokuta Highway at about 5:00 p.m. The attackers reportedly ambushed the corps members and passengers travelling in another vehicle before dragging them into the surrounding bush.

GUN BATTLE AT KIDNAPPERS’ CAMP

The operation reached its climax on Sunday when the security team finally located the kidnappers’ camp.

Kankarofi said security operatives arrived at the hideout at about 4:00 p.m., triggering a ferocious exchange of gunfire. The security forces eventually overwhelmed the abductors and secured the release of all 21 victims.

“Four of the kidnappers were killed during the exchange of fire, and several escaped with bullet wounds,” the commissioner said.

He disclosed that two victims sustained gunshot wounds to their right legs during the confrontation—one a corps member and the other a civilian who had been abducted from the second vehicle.

FLEEING KIDNAPPERS HUNTED

But the operation did not end with the rescue.

The police commissioner said security forces remained in the area, conducting a massive mop-up operation aimed at tracking down the wounded kidnappers who fled into the surrounding forests.

“All our officers—military, police, DSS operatives and hunters—are still at the operational theatre,” Kankarofi said.

He added that the Kogi command had also alerted security authorities in neighbouring Enugu State, as the fleeing criminals could attempt to escape through routes leading into the state.

21 VICTIMS FREED

The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the successful operation. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said the 21 abductees were rescued following a coordinated operation by the joint security forces.

The rescue came amid growing public concern over highway kidnappings and the vulnerability of travellers and corps members moving through remote areas.

‘KOGI IS SAFE’ — POLICE

Despite the latest incident, Kankarofi appealed for calm, insisting that Kogi State remains largely peaceful.

He described the abduction as an isolated security incident and maintained that security agencies in the state were capable of responding effectively to criminal threats.

The commissioner assured residents and travellers that they could continue to move through the state without undue fear, while the security forces intensify operations to hunt down the remaining members of the gang.

The dramatic rescue has nevertheless sent a fresh warning to criminal gangs operating in Kogi’s forests: security forces are closing in, and the hunt for the fleeing abductors continues.