Army Rescues 23 Kidnapped Passengers in Kogi

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.

The operation was launched in the early hours of June 1, 2026, after suspected armed men reportedly barricaded the highway and abducted passengers travelling through the route.

According to the Army, troops stationed in Kabba metropolis responded immediately after receiving a distress call at about 3:30 a.m. and moved to the scene of the incident.

Although the attackers had fled before the arrival of security personnel, the troops immediately commenced a pursuit operation along suspected escape routes in the surrounding forest.

During a sweep of the area, soldiers recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside, believed to have been used during the attack.

The Army confirmed that two victims lost their lives during the incident, while five others sustained injuries. The injured passengers were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital in Kabba, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

Despite the attackers escaping initially, sustained pressure from pursuing troops reportedly forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 captives, who were safely rescued without further harm.

The rescued victims have since been reunited with security personnel and are receiving support as investigations continue.

The Nigerian Army stated that troops have maintained a strong presence in the area, conducting ongoing search-and-rescue operations to track down fleeing suspects and ensure that no remaining victims are left in captivity.

It added that the operation is part of broader efforts to deny criminal groups freedom of movement and disrupt kidnapping networks operating within Kogi State and adjoining regions.

Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the Army said it will continue working with other security agencies and local communities to strengthen intelligence sharing and improve rapid response to threats.

The military also urged residents to provide timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and improving safety along highways across the country.