A joint security team comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and Fulani vigilantes has successfully rescued three kidnapped victims during a coordinated raid on Ankomi Forest in Kogi State.
According to a statement released by Kogi State Police spokesperson, William Aya, the rescue operation involved a gun battle between the security forces and the kidnappers, who eventually fled with gunshot wounds after being overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the operatives.
The rescued victims have been identified as Musa Abdullahi from Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Abdulazeez Adamu from Okene, Kogi State, and Yusuf Ibrahim from Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Investigations revealed that Abdullahi and Adamu were abducted on May 15, 2025, while traveling in a J5 vehicle along Osara Road. They were en route from Ekpoma in Edo State to Jos, Plateau State. The third victim, Ibrahim, was also kidnapped on the same day and at the same location while traveling in a trailer.
Commending the operation, Kogi State Police Commissioner Miller Dantawaye praised the gallantry of the security personnel and reaffirmed the Command's commitment to working in synergy with other security agencies to rid the state of criminal elements.
The Commissioner has urged residents of neighboring communities to remain vigilant and report anyone seeking medical attention for suspicious injuries to the nearest security formation, as the kidnappers are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
This successful rescue operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in combating kidnapping, which has remained a significant security challenge in various parts of Nigeria.
