Seventeen kidnapped passengers freed in Kogi State

Seventeen passengers kidnapped along the Lokoja-Obajana road in Kogi State have been freed following a security operation by the Nigerian Army and local hunters.

The victims were released after a swift response, officials said. They were taken to medical centres for treatment and assessment.

In a statement, the Kogi State government paid tribute to police officers killed in a separate attack in Yagba West Local Council. The government described the officers as courageous and offered condolences to their families.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has pledged to strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity, deploying more personnel and equipment in affected areas. Authorities have also called on residents to support security forces with information.

The government of Kogi State restated that the state will never submit to acts of terror.

Meanwhile, youths in Kogi and neighbouring Kwara State staged protests, blocking the Ilorin–Egbe road in response to recent killings and kidnappings.

Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, urged protesters to allow traffic to flow and praised government efforts to address the security challenges. He acknowledged the frustration among youths but called for calm and cooperation.

Security concerns have persisted across several parts of Kogi, with reports of ambushes and attacks on police and vigilante posts.

The government said it is working closely with federal agencies and security forces to restore peace and bring perpetrators to justice.