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.

On arrival at the scene, the troops found a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna vehicle abandoned by the roadside, with all the passengers missing.

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

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

A firefight subsequently ensued, during which the troops overpowered 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 victims comprising two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and an infant.

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

Meanwhile, the troops have continued their pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, with coordinated search operations ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The Nigerian 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 citizens to continue supporting security operations by providing timely and credible information that could facilitate prompt responses to criminal activities.