The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two travellers along the Sanlu–Idofin route in Yagba East Local Government Area, following an attack by suspected bandits on Saturday afternoon.
The confirmation was issued late Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police William Aya, in response to media enquiries.
He, however, did not give details of how the incident happened.
“Three people were attacked in a car while on transit between Idofin and Isanlu. One person by the name Raji Adesukanmi escaped while two others were kidnapped,” he said.
Aya added that the Commissioner of Police had immediately deployed a combined tactical squad—including the Quick Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Police Mobile Force—to track the attackers and rescue the abducted victims safely.
The Sanlu–Idofin–Isanlu axis has witnessed repeated kidnapping cases in recent months, extending into neighbouring Kwara and other North Central states.
The latest incident occurred shortly after the Nigerian Army announced the rescue of five kidnapped victims on the same corridor. Troops of the 12 Brigade carried out two coordinated operations around the Isanlu–Egbe axis of Yagba East LGA on November 29, 2025.
“The operations followed two separate kidnap incidents carried out by bandits.
In the first, four civilians were abducted, and in the second, another civilian was kidnapped at a nearby location.
“Upon receiving the distress reports, their own troops immediately mobilised to both scenes, professionally engaging the kidnappers with superior firepower.
“The aggressive response forced the bandits to flee in disarray, abandoning all five victims who were rescued unharmed,” the Nigerian Army stated.
The Brigade restated its commitment, under Brigadier General Kasim Sidi, to securing communities across Kogi State.
“Troops remain vigilant and will continue to dominate the area with robust patrols to deny criminal elements any freedom of action,” the statement read.
The region has witnessed a series of high-profile abductions.
PROMPTNEWS ONLINE recently reported the kidnapping of 38 worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, an attack that claimed two lives.
The abducted worshippers were freed two days later.
Another mass abduction in Niger State reportedly involved more than 300 students.
