Vigilantes rescue seven kidnap victims in Kogi

Security operatives in Kogi have recorded major successes in the fight against kidnapping, rescuing 18 victims in separate operations by the Kogi Vigilante Service (KSVS) and troops of the Nigerian Army, while foiling another abduction attempt in Zariagi.

The operations, carried out on October 18 and 19, targeted suspected kidnappers in Overe Forest, Okene Local Government Area, Zariagi near Kabba Junction, and along the Kabba-Ayere Road in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

The coordinated security efforts resulted in the rescue of seven kidnapped victims from a hideout in Overe Forest and 11 passengers abducted or threatened with abduction along the Kabba-Ayere Road. The KSVS also prevented a separate kidnapping attempt in Zariagi.

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According to a press release issued on Monday by the KSVS Public Relations Officer, Idris S. Idris, operatives of the service’s Okene Command, working in collaboration with local hunters, launched a rescue operation in Overe Forest following intelligence gathering.

The statement disclosed that the suspected kidnappers, who were holding seven victims hostage, engaged the security operatives in a gun duel after sighting them.

However, the vigilantes reportedly overwhelmed the suspects with superior firepower, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.

The assailants were said to have escaped with multiple gunshot wounds. All seven victims were subsequently rescued from the kidnappers’ hideout.

In a related development, operatives of the KSVS Zariagi Sub-Command foiled another kidnapping attempt at about 2:12 a.m. on October 18 around the Deeper Life Camp area of Zariagi, near Kabba Junction.

According to the statement, the operatives responded swiftly to a distress call from the area and engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their mission and escape.

Meanwhile, troops of the 12 Composite Brigade of the Nigerian Army, under the 5 Division, rescued 11 passengers after foiling a kidnapping attempt along the Kabba-Ayere Road in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area.

The operation followed credible intelligence received by soldiers stationed at the brigade’s patrol base in Kabba concerning suspected terrorists attempting to abduct passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle.

The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed that the troops immediately responded to the report while conducting routine patrols in the area.

He explained that the soldiers engaged the suspected kidnappers upon arriving at the scene, forcing the assailants to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush.

Nine passengers, including the driver, were initially rescued during the encounter. The driver and two other passengers, who sustained injuries, were evacuated for medical treatment.

The commercial vehicle involved in the incident was subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities.

In a follow-up operation on October 19, troops combed the surrounding area and rescued two additional passengers who had fled into the bush during the confrontation, bringing the total number of passengers rescued to 11.

The Army described the operation as evidence of its determination to protect lives and property, disrupt criminal activities and ensure the safety of travellers across Kogi State.

Reacting to the successful operations by the vigilante service, the Comptroller-General of the KSVS, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman Anataku, commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism and commitment to protecting residents.

He urged them to sustain the momentum and intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

Anataku also expressed appreciation to the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his continued support and encouragement to the service.

The KSVS chief further appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely, credible and actionable intelligence that could help prevent criminal activities and strengthen security across the state.

Similarly, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed the commitment of the 12 Composite Brigade to sustaining security operations and denying criminal elements freedom of action within its area of responsibility.

The Army also encouraged members of the public to provide useful information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

The latest operations underscore the importance of collaboration between security agencies, local vigilantes, hunters and community members in tackling kidnapping and improving public safety in Kogi.