Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine kidnapped commuters following a swift response to an abduction along the Ajaokuta-Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The rescue operation was carried out by troops deployed at Patrol Base Itobe after receiving reports that suspected kidnappers had ambushed commuters and abducted several passengers along the route.

According to the Nigerian Army, troops arrived at the scene and discovered a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle abandoned by the roadside, with all the passengers missing.

The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation, exploiting the withdrawal route of the fleeing kidnappers.

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The pursuit led the soldiers to the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area, where they established contact with the suspected kidnappers.

A firefight reportedly ensued, during which the troops overwhelmed the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.

The operation resulted in the rescue of nine kidnapped victims comprising two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and one infant.

The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to safety and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further necessary action and reunification with their families.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said troops have continued to pursue the fleeing kidnappers, with coordinated search operations ongoing to rescue any remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The Army reassured members of the public of its commitment, in collaboration with other security agencies, to protecting lives and property across the country.

It also urged residents and other members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to facilitate swift responses to criminal activities.

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