Troops of Sector 1, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have rescued three kidnapped travellers along the Okene bypass in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
One of the victims sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital for treatment, while the other two were assisted to continue their journey.
Security sources quoted by conflict reporter Zagazola Makama said the incident occurred at about 12:17 a.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Troops trail kidnappers from abandoned vehicle
The sources said troops stationed at Forward Operating Base Adogo responded to a report of kidnapping along the bypass.
On arrival, the soldiers found an abandoned vehicle whose occupants were suspected to have been abducted. They followed the route taken by the kidnappers in an effort to locate the missing travellers.
According to the account, the kidnappers abandoned three victims and fled into the surrounding area after sighting the advancing troops.
The soldiers secured the victims and arranged medical attention for the injured traveller.
Search continues for fleeing suspects
Security personnel are continuing efforts to track the fleeing kidnappers and prevent further attacks along the Okene bypass.
The rescue follows other reported operations against kidnapping in Kogi, including an operation in Itobe that resulted in the rescue of 15 victims and the rescue of 21 victims in another security operation.
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