Police operatives in Kogi State have successfully rescued 15 kidnapped victims after engaging a gang of armed bandits in a heavy firefight.

The rescue operation was carried out following actionable intelligence received by security forces regarding the movement and hidden camp location of the abductors.

Upon arriving at the scene, police tactical units accompanied by local vigilantes confronted the armed gang, forcing the criminal elements to flee into surrounding forests with gunshot injuries while abandoning their captives.

Command authorities confirmed that all 15 rescued individuals were safely brought out of the forest, provided with medical evaluation, and reunited with their families, while security personnel continue combing the axis to arrest the fleeing suspects.