Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following a counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to the Nigerian Army Headquarters, the operation was launched in the early hours of Sunday after suspected bandits barricaded the highway and abducted several passengers travelling through the area.
The Army said troops stationed within Kabba metropolis responded swiftly after receiving a distress call around 3:30 am and immediately moved to the scene.
Although the attackers had fled before security personnel arrived, troops reportedly launched an aggressive pursuit along suspected escape routes in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers.
During an assessment of the attack scene, security personnel recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.
The Army disclosed that two victims lost their lives during the attack, while five others sustained injuries and were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital in Kabba for treatment.
It added that sustained pressure from the troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 captives, who were later rescued unharmed.
The Nigerian Army said troops have continued search-and-rescue operations in the area to locate and safely recover any remaining victims who may still be in captivity.
“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 strengthen security across Kogi State and the nation at large,” the statement said.
The Army also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
