Three kidnapped travellers have been rescued from captivity following a joint security operation by the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and Fulani vigilantes in Kogi State.
The daring rescue occurred during a coordinated raid on Ankomi Forest, a known criminal hideout in the state, according to a statement released by the state Police Public Relations Officer, William Aya.
Aya revealed that the victims were freed unharmed during a heavy exchange of gunfire with the kidnappers.
Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the joint task force, the armed abductors abandoned their hostages and fled into the bush with gunshot wounds.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” Aya said.
Preliminary investigations identified the rescued individuals as Musa Abdullahi, a native of Mangu LGA in Plateau State; Abdulazeez Adamu from Okene, Kogi State; and Yusuf Ibrahim from Zaria LGA, Kaduna State.
Musa and Abdulazeez were reportedly kidnapped on May 15, 2025, while travelling in a J5 commercial vehicle from Ekpoma, Edo State, en route to Jos, Plateau State.
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Yusuf was abducted at the same location while journeying in a trailer.
Reacting to the success of the operation, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, praised the synergy among the security agencies and the courage of the operatives involved.
“This is yet another victory in our commitment to make Kogi State unsafe for criminals. We will not relent,” he affirmed.
Dantawaye called on residents, especially those living near forested areas, to remain vigilant and report anyone with unexplained injuries seeking treatment to the nearest security outpost.
The incident underscores the growing collaboration between state security outfits and local vigilantes in combating kidnapping and banditry across Nigeria.