Bandits Kidnap Two Travelers in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of two travellers in an attack carried out by suspected bandits along the Sanlu–Idofin route in Yagba East Local Government Area of the state.

The confirmation came late Saturday from the Command’s spokesman, Chief Superintendent of Police William Aya, who responded to enquiries from journalists following reports of the afternoon attack. 

Aya, however, declined to provide further details on the circumstances leading to the incident.

“Three people were attacked in a car while on transit between Idofin and Isanlu. One person by the name Raji Adesukanmi escaped while two others were kidnapped,” he said.

He noted that the Commissioner of Police had already dispatched a tactical squad, including operatives from the Quick Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Police Mobile Force, to the area to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

The Sanlu–Idofin corridor, which links parts of Kogi and Kwara states, has recorded repeated cases of kidnappings in recent months, heightening concerns among residents and commuters.

Saturday’s incident occurred days after the Nigerian Army announced the rescue of five kidnap victims in two separate operations carried out by troops of the 12 Brigade around the Isanlu–Egbe axis of Yagba East Local Government on November 29.

“The operations followed two separate kidnap incidents carried out by bandits. In the first, four civilians were abducted, and in the second, another civilian was kidnapped at a nearby location.

“Upon receiving the distress reports, their own troops immediately mobilised to both scenes, professionally engaging the kidnappers with superior firepower.

“The aggressive response forced the bandits to flee in disarray, abandoning all five victims who were rescued unharmed,” the Nigerian Army stated.

The Brigade, under the leadership of Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining security operations across the state.

“Troops remain vigilant and will continue to dominate the area with robust patrols to deny criminal elements any freedom of action,” the statement read.