Kogi police rescue 15 NYSC members and six others from kidnappers

Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, Naziru Kankarofi, explained on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief that security forces, including military, police, Department of State Services operatives, local vigilantes, and hunters, launched a search-and-rescue operation immediately after being alerted. The involvement of local vigilantes and hunters was crucial due to their familiarity with the terrain. The operation culminated in a gun battle at the kidnappers’ camp on Monday afternoon, leading to the rescue of the victims.

Two of the rescued persons, one corps member and one civilian, sustained gunshot injuries to their right legs during the exchange of fire. Four suspected kidnappers were killed, and several others escaped with bullet wounds. The corps members were traveling from Bayelsa and were attacked along the Itobe-Ajaokuta Highway after entering Kogi State.

Kankarofi stated that security forces are still in the area to track the fleeing suspects and have contacted their counterparts in Enugu State to block potential escape routes. He described the incident as an isolated case, assuring residents and travelers that Kogi State remains generally peaceful and that security agencies respond promptly to threats.