KOGI STATE — The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 11 people abducted by armed gunmen along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The victims were travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation programme when the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

According to the police, armed men emerged from the bush around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction, at about 4:40 p.m. and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions.

The attackers abducted some of the passengers, while others managed to escape into the surrounding bush.

Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer in Ofu led a joint security team to the area. Two abandoned vehicles, including a Peace Mass Transit white Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus, were recovered at the scene.

A coordinated bush-combing and rescue operation was subsequently launched, leading to the rescue of 11 abducted victims, including the drivers of the two buses.

The Kogi State Police Command said preliminary debriefing showed that most of the rescued victims were NYSC members travelling from Bayelsa State to Abuja.

The rescued victims were debriefed and, after the necessary procedures, were allowed to continue their journey, according to the police.

Security operatives are continuing operations in the surrounding forests to locate any remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack. The police said every available operational and intelligence resource is being deployed to ensure the safe recovery of the remaining victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of travellers using major highways in Kogi State, particularly routes passing through areas surrounded by forests that can provide cover for criminal groups.

The abduction also sparked concern among families of NYSC members, with relatives appealing for urgent intervention following reports that their loved ones were among those attacked while returning from the Bayelsa orientation camp.

Authorities have continued to urge members of the public to provide useful information to security agencies as the search operation continues.

Obubra.com will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.