Troops Rescue 23 Kidnap Victims as Bandits Abandon Captives During Pursuit in Kogi

Troops of the 12 Brigade of the 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.

Military authorities said the operation was launched in the early hours of Monday after suspected kidnappers barricaded the highway and abducted several travelers.

According to military sources, troops stationed within the Kabba area received a distress call at about 3:30 am. and immediately mobilized to the scene.

Although the kidnappers had fled before the arrival of security personnel, soldiers commenced a rapid pursuit operation along routes believed to have been used by the fleeing criminals.

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

Military officials confirmed 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.

The army said sustained pressure mounted by pursuing troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.

Security forces have since intensified search-and-rescue operations across surrounding forests and communities to locate any remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to denying criminal groups freedom of operation and pledged continued collaboration with other security agencies and local communities to strengthen security across Kogi State and beyond.