Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in a counter-kidnapping operation, rescued 23 abducted passengers on the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation started in the early hours of June 1, 2026, after suspected bandits blocked the roadway and abducted many travelers. The distress call was received about 3:30 a.m. and troops mobilized from Kabba metropolis quickly responded and headed towards the area to engage the invaders.
The soldiers, although the kidnappers had fled before the arrival of the security forces, initiated an aggressive chase following the suspected withdrawal routes of the offenders. Troops conducted an examination of the attack scene and found two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO vehicle abandoned by the roadside.
“Sadly, two victims are confirmed dead while five others sustained injuries and were evacuated immediately to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba for treatment,” the army statement stated. “Relentless pressure from pursuing troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 of their hostages who were subsequently rescued unharmed and secured,” the statement said.
Troops have maintained to hold the general area and are carrying out rigorous search and rescue operations to find any other casualties still held captive, the Nigerian Army said. It further reiterated that “the Nigerian Army remains resolute in denying criminal elements freedom of action and will continue to work closely with other security agencies and local stakeholders to enhance security across Kogi State and the nation at large.
The army has appealed to the people to continue supporting ongoing security efforts by giving timely and trustworthy information to relevant security agencies to assist avoid such assaults.
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