Three students of Abubakar Audu University (AAU), Anyigba, abducted by suspected kidnappers, have been rescued following a joint security operation in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue took place on Friday, January 17, 2026, during a coordinated bush-combing operation conducted by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS), and local hunters. The operation was carried out between 7:00 am and 8:45 am within a forest along the Okura–Ankpa axis.
The rescued victims were identified as Umar Babangi (19), Ahmed Abubakar (20), and Zakaria Yakubu (20), all male students of AAU. According to security sources, the students were kidnapped a day earlier, on January 16, 2026, alongside three of their colleagues while returning to campus after the Christmas and New Year break.
Following their rescue, the students were immediately taken to a medical facility for health evaluation and treatment before arrangements were made to reunite them with their families. Security agencies confirmed that the victims are in stable condition.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining three abducted students. The joint security team has continued intensive combing of surrounding forests in the area, with a mandate to track down and apprehend the kidnappers responsible for the attack.
Reacting to the successful operation, the Controller-General of the Kogi State Vigilante Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Omeiza Sani (fsi+), commended the bravery and professionalism displayed by his personnel, as well as officers of other collaborating security agencies.
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as the governor’s consistent support and commitment to strengthening security architecture across the state. According to him, the government’s backing has enhanced the capacity of security outfits to respond swiftly to criminal activities.
Alhaji Sani further appealed to residents of the state to support security agencies by providing timely and actionable intelligence, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in combating kidnapping and other crimes.
“Security is everyone’s business,” he said, urging citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in sharing information that could help prevent criminal activities.
The rescue operation adds to ongoing efforts by the Kogi State Government and security agencies to curb kidnapping and improve safety along major routes and rural communities within the state.
Security Operatives Rescue Three AAU Students in Kogi Forest
