Police officers in Kogi State have successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Kabba-Ayere road, rescuing passengers who were targeted by suspected kidnappers.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP William Aya, the incident occurred on Friday, April 11, 2025. He explained that officers attached to the Police Mobile Force, 70 Squadron, stationed in Kabba, responded swiftly to a distress call about a kidnapping in progress on the highway.
“On receipt of the distress call, reinforcement teams from Sharper Corner pin-down point were promptly mobilized and sent to the scene. The team engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel, and owing to the superior firepower of the Police, the criminals fled into the bush, abandoning their victims,” ASP Aya stated.
The police confirmed that all passengers involved were rescued safely, and no lives were lost during the incident. However, the exact number of rescued victims was not disclosed as at press time.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, has ordered the deployment of additional tactical teams to the area. According to him, the mission is to carry out a thorough combing of the surrounding forests in a bid to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
He commended the bravery and quick response of the officers from the 70 PMF, Kabba, describing their actions as a reflection of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.
“This operation shows that we are not taking the fight against crime lightly,” CP Dantawaye said. “The safety of our people remains our top priority. We will not rest until criminal elements are completely flushed out of Kogi State.”
The Commissioner also assured residents that the police would continue to intensify surveillance and patrols along major highways and vulnerable spots across the state.
This incident is the latest in a series of security threats that have plagued the state in recent times. The Kabba-Ayere road is a major route connecting various communities in Kogi West and serves as an important corridor for inter-state travel and trade. Over the past few years, it has been a target for bandits and kidnappers, causing fear among road users.
In early March 2025, several commuters were reportedly kidnapped on the same stretch of road, prompting calls from civil society organizations and community leaders for improved security presence in the area.
The successful rescue operation by the Police Mobile Force is being hailed as a positive sign of improved policing, especially in rural and high-risk areas of the state.
Mr. Sunday Akinlade, a commercial driver who frequently plies the Kabba-Ayere route, praised the police for their quick response. “We’ve been living in fear for too long. These roads are dangerous, but what happened yesterday gives us some hope. At least now, we know the police are listening and acting,” he said.
However, others are calling for more permanent security measures, such as setting up military checkpoints or deploying drones for aerial surveillance in forested areas.
Reacting to the development, Hon. Joseph Adebayo, a member of the Kogi State House of Assembly representing the Kabba-Bunu constituency, called on the federal government to support the state with more resources and security equipment.
“Our police officers are doing their best, but they are overstretched. We need more support from the federal level, especially considering the terrain and the rising cases of armed attacks on highways,” he said.
Local community leaders have also promised to cooperate with the police by sharing useful intelligence that can aid ongoing investigations.
Kogi State is not alone in facing highway insecurity. Across Nigeria, road users have become increasingly vulnerable to attacks by bandits, kidnappers, and armed robbers. The Abuja-Kaduna expressway, the Benin-Ore road, and parts of the South-East and North-Central regions have all experienced similar attacks in recent months.
While security agencies have made several arrests and rescued many victims, the frequency of attacks highlights the urgent need for a more coordinated and technology-driven approach to national security.
The successful operation in Kabba offers a glimpse of what can be achieved when police respond swiftly and with proper coordination. However, many believe that such victories must be sustained and expanded to truly make an impact.
The Kogi State Government has repeatedly pledged its commitment to supporting security agencies. In 2024, Governor Yahaya Bello’s administration launched the “Kogi Vigilance Platform,” an initiative aimed at involving local communities in intelligence gathering. The platform has since been integrated with local police efforts, but gaps in communication and logistics remain.
Residents are hopeful that Friday’s rescue marks the beginning of a more proactive approach to policing in the state.
For now, passengers plying the Kabba-Ayere route can breathe a sigh of relief, but many agree that until the perpetrators are caught and prosecuted, the job is far from over.
The Police Command has promised to keep the public updated on developments as investigations continue.
