Troops Rescue Abducted Passengers in Kogi, Sustain Offensive in Benue
Security forces across Nigeria have continued to record gains in their ongoing operations against criminal elements, with troops rescuing abducted passengers in Kogi State and sustaining offensives against armed groups in Benue State, PRNigeria reports.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, gunmen dressed in military camouflage intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd. along the Okene–Auchi highway in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State. The vehicle, with registration number FUG 13 XY, was conveying 12 passengers from Abuja to Benin, Edo State, when the attackers struck at Tyre village and whisked the travelers into the bush.
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Security sources said a joint team of army troops, police operatives, and vigilante groups swiftly mobilized to the scene and engaged the hoodlums. During the encounter, four expended 7.62x39mm ammunition were recovered, while eight passengers, including the driver, were rescued unhurt. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining four passengers still in captivity, with operatives combing the surrounding forest.
Meanwhile, in Benue State, Zagazola reported that the police and military under Operation Restore Peace have sustained joint operations, particularly in the troubled Sankara axis. Aerial surveillance on Sept. 26 reportedly sighted heavily armed bandits at the Takum boundary between Benue and Taraba States, prompting plans by the Nigerian Air Force to launch an airborne operation in the area.
As part of efforts to boost morale, the Benue State Government announced financial support for the burial of security personnel killed in an earlier operation on Sept. 19. The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) disclosed at a security stakeholders’ meeting in Katsina-Ala that N500,000 was provided for each fallen officer, while the chairmen of the three local government areas in Sankara pledged additional support, including the supply of intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
According to security sources, the joint forces remain resolute in restoring peace and ensuring the protection of lives and property across the affected states.
By PRNigeria
