Five women who were kidnapped from the Olle-Bunu community in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State have been released by their captors following the payment of a ₦12 million ransom. The release occurred on Friday after days of tense negotiations between community representatives and the kidnappers.

According to SaharaReporters, the ransom was raised through the collective efforts of the victims’ families, local community leaders, and concerned residents, who all contributed to meet the demands of the abductors.

While the release of the five women has provided some relief to the community, three other individuals remain in the kidnappers’ custody, and there are growing concerns over their safety and well-being.

In related news, SaharaReporters reported that a joint security operation led by the Nigeria Police Force had made significant progress in dismantling the operations of kidnappers and bandits across Kogi State. The operation, which took place on Sunday, was a result of a fierce encounter with criminals who had been hiding in the forests and rural areas of the state.

The police operation involved officers from the Force Intelligence Bureau–Intelligence Response Team (FIB/IRT), supported by other security agencies. A video from the operation showed intense gunfire and explosions as police forces clashed with the armed bandits, forcing them to retreat into the forest. According to security sources, several criminals were neutralized in the firefight.