The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued 23 passengers who were abducted by suspected bandits along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday after troops received a distress call around 3:30 a.m. reporting a kidnapping incident along the route.
According to a statement released by the Army, the gunmen had barricaded the highway and abducted several travellers before security personnel arrived at the scene.
Although the kidnappers had escaped before troops reached the area, soldiers immediately launched a pursuit operation along routes believed to have been used by the attackers.
“Despite the kidnappers fleeing before security forces arrived, troops quickly commenced a coordinated pursuit along the suspected escape routes,” the statement said.
During a search of the area, troops recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck that had been abandoned by the roadside following the attack.
The Army disclosed that two victims lost their lives during the incident, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital in Kabba, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Military authorities said sustained pressure from the pursuing troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 captives, all of whom were rescued unharmed.
“The relentless pursuit by troops compelled the kidnappers to release 23 abducted passengers, who were subsequently rescued safely,” the statement added.
The Army further revealed that security operatives have continued search-and-rescue operations in the area and are maintaining a strong security presence to track down the fleeing criminals and locate any victims who may still be in captivity.
Authorities also reassured residents and travellers that efforts are ongoing to strengthen security along the corridor and prevent future attacks.
