Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued 23 passengers abducted by suspected bandits along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi state.
The rescue followed a counter-kidnapping operation launched in the early hours of Sunday after gunmen reportedly barricaded the highway and abducted travellers.
In a statement posted on X on Monday, the Nigerian Army said troops stationed within Kabba metropolis responded after receiving a distress call at about 3:30 am.
According to the army, although the kidnappers fled before security operatives arrived at the scene, troops immediately launched a pursuit along the suspected escape routes.
During an assessment of the attack scene, soldiers recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.
The army said two victims were confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries and were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital in Kabba for treatment.
It added that sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.
The military said troops have continued search-and-rescue operations in the area to locate and 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 reads.
The army also urged members of the public to support ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information to relevant authorities.
