Kogi Police Foil Kidnapping, Neutralise Suspect in Forest Operation

In a daring operation, the Kogi State Police Command has successfully rescued a kidnap victim, Abubakar Kabiru, and neutralised one of the suspected kidnappers in Ayegunle Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area. The victim was abducted from his residence at Nila Forest Camp in the early hours of Friday, July 17, 2026, by armed kidnappers who took him into the nearby forest. Following the abduction, the Divisional Police Officer of Ayetoro Gbede Division swiftly assembled a joint team of police operatives, personnel from the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit, officers on special duty, and local vigilantes to track down the kidnappers. The security team tracked the kidnappers to the Olle-Bunu Forest, where they engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle. During the operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while the remaining gang members fled, abandoning their captive. The rescued victim sustained a gunshot injury and is currently receiving medical attention. The police also recovered the body of the slain suspect and an Italian-made pump-action gun with breach number 5882, which has been taken into custody as evidence. The suspect's remains have been deposited at the General Hospital Mortuary in Ayetoro Gbede. The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, commended the operatives and local vigilantes for their bravery and professionalism, reaffirming the Command's commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in Kogi State. He assured residents that security operatives are pursuing the fleeing suspects to arrest them and dismantle the criminal network behind the attack. The Commissioner also urged the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information to aid the fight against crime in the state.