A joint operation by the police, army, and local vigilantes has rescued eight passengers abducted from a commercial bus along the Okene–Auchi highway in Kogi State.
Lens News gathered that the incident occurred on Friday morning when gunmen attacked a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd, with registration number Edo FUG 13 XY, which was travelling from Abuja to Benin, Edo State. The armed men reportedly kidnapped all 12 passengers, including the driver.
According to the Kogi Police Command, swift action by the Divisional Police Officer of Okene, CSP Nasir Muhammad, led to the mobilisation of a combined team of security operatives and vigilantes. Their efforts resulted in the successful rescue of eight victims, including the bus driver, while four others remain in captivity.
Security agents also recovered expended 7.62×39mm ammunition at the scene, confirming there was an exchange of fire with the kidnappers during the rescue effort.
Kogi Police PRO, SP William Ovye Aya, who confirmed the operation, assured that efforts are ongoing to track down the criminals and rescue the remaining victims. He urged residents to assist security agencies with useful information, especially around high-risk routes.
