The Nigerian Army has rescued nine commuters abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ajaokuta–Itobe Road in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The victims were rescued after troops of the Army’s Patrol Base Itobe responded to a distress call about the attack and pursued the kidnappers towards the outskirts of Adumu Community in Dekina Local Government Area.

In a statement shared on its official X account on Tuesday, the Army said troops arrived at the scene of the attack and found a Toyota Hiace bus and a Toyota Sienna abandoned by the roadside, with the passengers missing.

According to the Army, the troops subsequently launched a pursuit operation and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle.

The Army said the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee into the bush, with some of them believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.

Nine victims were rescued in the operation, including two elderly men, two elderly women, four other adult males and an infant.

The Army said the victims were evacuated to safety before being handed over to the Nigeria Police, Itobe Area Command, for further necessary action and reunification with their families.

It added that troops had sustained the pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, while search operations were ongoing to rescue other victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The Army urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance efforts to combat criminal activities.

It reaffirmed its commitment to working with other security agencies to protect lives and property across the country.