The Kogi State Police Command has successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, neutralised a suspected kidnapper, and recovered an Italian-made pump-action gun during a joint security operation in Ayegunle Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the victim, identified as Abubakar Kabiru, was abducted in the early hours of Friday, July 17, 2026, after armed kidnappers stormed his residence at Nila Forest Camp in Ayegunle Gbede and whisked him away into a nearby forest.
The police spokesperson said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ayetoro Gbede Division immediately mobilised a joint security team comprising police operatives, officers from the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), personnel on special duty, and local vigilantes to rescue the victim.
The security team reportedly tracked the kidnappers to the Olle-Bunu Forest, where they engaged the armed suspects in a fierce gun battle.
During the operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while other members of the gang fled deeper into the forest, abandoning the victim.
Police confirmed that the rescued victim sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Security operatives also recovered the body of the slain suspect and an Italian-made pump-action gun with breach number 5882, which has been taken into police custody as evidence.
The remains of the deceased suspect have been deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary in Ayetoro Gbede.
Commending the police operatives and local vigilantes for their courage and professionalism, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, reiterated the Command’s commitment to intensifying the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kogi State.
He also assured residents that security operatives are actively pursuing the fleeing suspects and are determined to dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.
The Commissioner further urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to combat crime and improve security across the state.
