The Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch (KENW) has praised security agencies in Kogi State for a swift and coordinated operation that led to the rescue of 13 passengers abducted from a Peace Mass Transit bus.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the Director of Public Communication for KENW, Wing Commander Iye Ayefu (rtd.), said the successful rescue reflected the strength of synergy among security agencies operating across the state.
According to Ayefu, the victims were freed within 24 hours of their abduction, in what he described as a “swift, coordinated and successful” operation.
“Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch wishes to particularly appreciate the officers and men of the 21 Battalion and the officers and men of NNS Lugard for their gallantry, courage and commitment to the rescue operation,” he said.
Ayefu noted that inter-agency collaboration was central to the operation’s success and stressed that sustained cooperation among security agencies would further strengthen efforts to combat kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the state.
He, however, expressed sorrow over the death of a vigilante member who was killed during the operation.
“On a sad note, a member of the vigilante group lost his life in the course of the exercise. KENW prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased and for God to grant strength and comfort to the family he left behind,” he stated.
The KENW director also called on security agencies to sustain the momentum and intensify efforts to rescue other victims still in captivity elsewhere in the state.
“Kogi East Neighbourhood Watch looks forward to the safe rescue of the victims of Ojuwo Olijo, who were kidnapped later and whose whereabouts are still unknown,” Ayefu said.
He further urged continued cooperation among the police, military, vigilante groups, neighbourhood watch organisations and other relevant stakeholders, noting that collective action remains critical to securing communities and protecting lives and property.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting legitimate security operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace across Kogi East.
