A joint operation of the police and the military has rescued 16 passengers kidnapped from two vehicles in Kogi State.

The victims were kidnapped on Sunday, February 25, 2024, while travelling on the Ette-Enugu-Ezike road. 

The spokesman of the Kogi State Police Command, SP William Aya, confirmed the rescue in a statement on Monday in Lokoja. 

According to Aya, the rescued persons were 11 passengers in a Peace Mass Transit Bus and five occupants of a Sienna Bus who were travelling on the road when they were abducted and led into a nearby bush by bandits.

“The Joint Kogi Police and Military team from Enugu State promptly swung into action, trailed and rescued all the victims from the bush unhurt. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and bring them to deserved justice.”

In his reaction, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi Command, Bethrand Onuoha, commended the Joint security team for their effort.

He reiterated the Command’s unwavering determination to sustain the ongoing onslaught against criminalities in the state.

Onuoha appealed to the people of the state to continue to partner with the police and other security agencies to ensure adequate security of lives and property.