The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that two individuals were kidnapped while another managed to escape following an attack by suspected bandits along the Sanlu–Idofin route in Yagba East Local Government Area.
The confirmation was issued late Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police William Aya, who responded to journalists’ inquiries about the incident, said to have occurred earlier in the afternoon.
He did not provide specific details on how the attack unfolded.
“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 stated.
Aya added that the state Commissioner of Police has dispatched a tactical team—including the Quick Response Unit, Anti-kidnapping squad, and Police Mobile Force—to the scene to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
The Sanlu–Idofin–Isanlu axis has witnessed several kidnapping cases recently, extending into parts of Kwara State and other North Central regions.
This latest incident comes shortly after the Army confirmed the rescue of five kidnapped victims along the same corridor by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in two rapid and coordinated operations around the Isanlu–Egbe area on November 29, 2025.
According to the Army, “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 statement noted.
The Brigade reaffirmed its commitment—under Brigadier General Kasim Sidi—to safeguarding lives and property in Kogi State.
“Troops remain vigilant and will continue to dominate the area with robust patrols to deny criminal elements any freedom of action,” it added.
Reports have it that 38 worshipers were abducted during a bandit attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, an incident that claimed two lives before the victims regained their freedom two days later.
Additionally, another mass kidnapping was recorded in Niger State, where more than 300 students were reportedly taken.