Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued nine travellers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue, carried out on Tuesday, came two days after security forces rescued 16 other travellers abducted along roads linking Ojuwo, Ajengo, Memarebo, Ojiwo and Itobe in the state.
In a statement, the Army said troops stationed at Patrol Base Itobe launched an operation after receiving reports that suspected kidnappers had ambushed vehicles and abducted passengers along the route.
On arrival at the scene, the troops found an abandoned Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna, while their occupants were missing.
The troops subsequently tracked the kidnappers through the route used to escape. The pursuit led them to the outskirts of Adumu community in Dekina Local Government Area, where they engaged the suspects.
The Army said the troops overpowered the kidnappers during the gun battle, forcing them to abandon the captives and escape into the bush, with some suspected to have sustained gunshot wounds.
Nine victims were rescued. They comprised two elderly men, two elderly women, four adult men and an infant.
The rescued travellers were taken to safety and later handed over to the Nigeria Police at the Itobe Area Command for further action and reunification with their families.
The Army said troops were continuing to pursue the fleeing suspects, while coordinated search operations were underway to locate any other victims and arrest those responsible for the attack.
