Officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State have rescued 17 pupils abducted from an Islamic school in Lokoja, while efforts continue to free the remaining victims still in captivity.

The pupils were kidnapped on April 26 at about 11:45 p.m. when gunmen invaded Daarul Kitab School, an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in Zariagi along NNPC Road, Kabba Junction.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Saliu Afusat, 26 persons, including 24 pupils and two wives of the school proprietor, were initially taken by the attackers.

She said a joint security response involving police operatives and other agencies led to the rescue of 17 of the abducted victims shortly after the incident.

Afusat added that security forces have continued operations to ensure the safe return of the remaining nine victims still in captivity.

She noted that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Naziru Kankarofi, has deployed tactical teams for bush combing, intelligence gathering, and sustained surveillance in the area.

The police command assured residents that coordinated efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack, while urging the public to provide useful intelligence.

The Kogi State Government condemned the incident, describing it as unfortunate and avoidable.

The Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said security agencies responded quickly, leading to the partial rescue of the abducted pupils.

He also raised concerns that the affected school was allegedly operating in a remote area without proper registration or notification to relevant authorities.

Fanwo warned that unregistered schools and orphanages in isolated communities pose security risks, especially in the current climate, and urged operators to comply with regulations.

Kidnapping for ransom continues to remain a major security challenge in Nigeria, with schools, religious centres, and rural communities increasingly targeted by armed groups.