By Nkechi Eze
Troops of 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 an official signed statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, the operation was launched in the early hours of 1 June 2026 after suspected bandits barricaded the highway and abducted several passengers travelling through the area.
The statement disclosed that troops deployed within the Kabba metropolis responded immediately after receiving a distress call at about 3:30 a.m., mobilising to the scene in a bid to rescue the victims and apprehend the attackers.
Although the kidnappers had fled before the arrival of security personnel, the troops swiftly commenced an aggressive pursuit along the suspected escape routes used by the criminals.
During an assessment of the attack scene, security forces recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.
The statement noted that two victims lost their lives during the incident, while five others sustained injuries. The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
It added that the sustained pressure mounted by the pursuing troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed and secured by the military.
The Nigerian Army said troops have continued to dominate the area and are conducting intensive search-and-rescue operations aimed at locating and safely recovering any remaining victims who may still be in captivity.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of action and pledged to continue working closely with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security across Kogi State and the country.
The military also appealed to members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to relevant security agencies.
