Troops Rescue 23 Kidnap Victims as Bandits Abandon Captives in Kogi

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade 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 rescue operation was launched in the early hours of Monday after suspected bandits barricaded the highway and abducted several travellers.

According to the military, troops responded to a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m. and immediately deployed from Kabba metropolis to the scene of the attack.

Although the kidnappers had fled before security forces arrived, troops launched an aggressive pursuit along the criminals’suspected escape routes in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

During an assessment of the attack scene, soldiers recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.

The military disclosed that two victims were killed during the incident, while five others sustained injuries and were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for treatment.

It added that sustained pressure from the pursuing troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 of their captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.

Troops have since intensified search-and-rescue operations in the area to locate and safely recover any remaining victims believed to be in captivity.The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action and pledged continued collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to enhance security across Kogi State.

The military also urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing timely and credible information to security agencies.