Troops rescue 23 kidnapped passengers in Kogi

Nigerian Army troops rescued 23 passengers who had been abducted by suspected kidnappers on the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Security officials who spoke to Zagazola Makama said the attack took place at about 3:30 am on Monday, when armed men blocked the road and assaulted travelers.

The attackers reportedly seized several passengers before soldiers from the 12 Brigade in Kabba responded to a distress call.

When troops arrived, the kidnappers had already fled. However, soldiers discovered two dead bodies and five injured victims at the scene. Two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck were also found abandoned on the roadside.

A source said, “The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation leading to the rescue of 23 abducted passengers.”

The rescued victims were taken to safety, while the injured were transferred to St Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for treatment.

Military officials said operations are continuing to track the fleeing attackers and recover any remaining victims. They also noted that surveillance and clearance operations have been intensified in the area to prevent further attacks.

The Ayegunle–Bunu axis has recently seen repeated incidents of kidnapping and banditry, prompting a stronger military response.