The Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State has rescued 17 pupils abducted from an Islamic school in Lokoja, while operations continue to secure the release of remaining victims.

The pupils were kidnapped on Saturday night when armed men invaded an Islamic institution with an attached orphanage located in Zariagi along the NNPC Road axis near Kabba Junction.

Police spokesperson ASP Saliu Afusat said in a statement that 26 persons were initially taken, including 24 pupils and two wives of the school proprietor.

She explained that a joint security response involving police operatives, military personnel, and other agencies led to the rescue of 17 victims shortly after the incident.

According to her, efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining nine abductees, with coordinated operations continuing across surrounding communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, has visited the scene and ordered intensified bush-combing, intelligence gathering, and surveillance operations to track down the kidnappers.

The police command assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims and to apprehend those responsible.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government condemned the attack, describing it as unfortunate and avoidable.

Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said security agencies responded quickly to the incident but raised concern over the operation of unregistered institutions in isolated areas without regulatory oversight.

He warned that such facilities expose children and staff to security risks and urged operators to comply with existing registration and safety requirements.

Kidnapping for ransom remains a persistent security challenge in parts of Nigeria, with schools and rural communities frequently targeted due to their vulnerability.