Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following a swift counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to a statement by the Nigerian Army, the rescue mission was launched in the early hours of Sunday after suspected bandits barricaded the highway and abducted several travellers.
Acting on a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m., troops deployed within the Kabba metropolis swiftly mobilised to the scene.
Although the attackers had fled before security operatives arrived, troops immediately launched an aggressive pursuit along the suspected escape routes.
During a search of the area, soldiers recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.
The attack, however, claimed the lives of two victims, while five others sustained injuries. The injured were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Military pressure on the fleeing kidnappers forced them to abandon 23 captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.
Troops have since intensified search-and-rescue operations across the area to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of any remaining victims.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of operation and pledged continued collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security across Kogi State and the country.
Residents have also been urged to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence to relevant authorities.
