Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 17 kidnapped passengers, including four children, in Kogi state.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Hassan Abdullahi, said the rescue was carried out by soldiers of the 12 Brigade, supported by hybrid forces and local vigilantes.
Abdullahi said the operation followed credible intelligence of a kidnap incident at Opamaru village along the Obajana–Lokoja road on September 10.
He said the victims, who were travelling in a 17-seater bus from Osun state to Abuja, were abducted by armed men.
According to him, troops at a patrol base in Apata, reinforced by the brigade’s quick response group, mobilised to the scene after receiving the information.
On arrival, the soldiers found the abandoned bus by the roadside and trailed the kidnappers to Wuro village in Adavi local government area.
Abdullahi said the kidnappers fled into the bush with gunshot wounds after being overpowered by the troops, leaving the victims behind.
He said the rescued passengers were taken to the 12 brigade medical centre for first aid and stabilisation.
The army urged members of the public to support ongoing operations with timely information to enhance security in the state.