Security forces in Kogi State have successfully rescued 11 victims, including several National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, following an armed ambush along the Aloma-Egane Expressway in Ofu Local Government Area on Wednesday.
​The incident unfolded at approximately 4:40 PM near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction when gunmen emerged from nearby bushes and intercepted two commercial vehicles travelling in opposite directions: a white Peace Mass Transit Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus.
The passengers, mostly 2026 Batch B Stream II corps members returning from their three-week orientation exercise at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kolokuma/Opokuma, Bayelsa State, were en route to Abuja when the attackers opened fire and forced the vehicles off the road.
​Confirming the rescue operation on Friday, August 28, 2026, the Public Relations Officer for the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, stated that tactical teams responded immediately to a distress call.
​”Upon receipt of the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer, Ofu, led a joint security team to the scene, where two abandoned vehicles were recovered,” ASP Afusat announced. “A coordinated bush-combing and rescue operation was subsequently launched, resulting in the recovery of 11 victims.”
​The police spokesperson noted that those freed, comprising corps members and the commercial drivers were given medical assessments and debriefed before continuing their journey.
​Meanwhile, police officer Adeji Joshua, who assisted at the scene by reaching out to next-of-kin via passenger manifests, indicated that around 15 passengers were originally taken from the Peace Mass Transit vehicle alone.
​Under the oversight of Kogi State Commissioner of Police CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, joint security personnel, including local vigilantes and military units are actively combing the surrounding terrain to locate any remaining captives and bring the perpetrators to justice.
