Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have rescued 23 passengers abducted by suspected bandits during an attack along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to an operational report released on Monday, the attack occurred in the early hours when armed men blocked the highway and forcefully took away several travellers.
Security personnel deployed in Kabba were said to have responded immediately after receiving a distress call. However, by the time they arrived at the scene, the attackers had already fled with their captives.
During a search of the area, troops discovered two lifeless bodies, five injured victims, two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned along the roadside.
The soldiers subsequently launched a pursuit operation, tracking the kidnappers along their escape route. Faced with mounting military pressure, the suspects reportedly abandoned 23 of the kidnapped passengers, who were later rescued by the troops.
The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital in Kabba for medical treatment, while the rescued passengers were secured by the military.
Military authorities said operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals and rescue any remaining victims who may still be in captivity.
The latest operation forms part of intensified efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes on major roads across Kogi State and neighbouring regions, which have witnessed a rise in attacks on commuters in recent years.
