Twenty-three kidnapped passengers have regained their freedom after troops of the Nigerian Army launched a swift rescue operation against suspected bandits operating along the Ayegunle–Bunu road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, in what has been described as another major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and highway insecurity in the North Central region.
According to operational reports released by the military, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when heavily armed kidnappers reportedly blocked the busy roadway and attacked travelers moving through the area. The criminals were said to have intercepted vehicles, forcefully abducting several passengers before fleeing into nearby forests and bush paths. The attack created panic among commuters and residents who have repeatedly expressed concerns over the growing activities of kidnappers along major highways connecting different parts of the country.
Following distress calls from the area, troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army stationed in Kabba were immediately mobilized to respond to the emergency. Although the attackers had reportedly escaped before security operatives arrived at the scene, soldiers quickly launched pursuit operations aimed at tracking the kidnappers and rescuing the victims before they could be moved deeper into remote hideouts. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Security sources disclosed that upon reaching the location of the attack, troops discovered a disturbing scene. Two bodies were reportedly found at the scene, indicating the deadly nature of the assault. In addition, five injured victims were recovered and immediately evacuated for urgent medical attention. Security personnel also found two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside, highlighting the scale of disruption caused by the attackers.
Determined to prevent the kidnappers from successfully escaping with their captives, the troops reportedly intensified pursuit efforts across the suspected escape routes used by the criminals. The sustained pressure mounted by the soldiers forced the kidnappers to abandon many of the victims as they fled through surrounding forests. As a result, twenty-three kidnapped passengers were successfully rescued during the operation.
Military authorities explained that the rescued victims were found after extensive search efforts conducted across the area. The operation was said to have involved tracking the movement of the kidnappers through difficult terrain while maintaining constant pressure on the fleeing criminals. The success of the mission has been credited to the rapid deployment of troops and the aggressive pursuit strategy adopted by security operatives.
The five injured victims rescued from the attack were immediately transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Kabba, where they are currently receiving treatment. While details regarding their medical condition remain limited, reports indicate that efforts were made to ensure they received urgent care following the traumatic incident.
Despite the successful rescue of twenty-three victims, security authorities revealed that operations are still ongoing to locate and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers. Troops have reportedly continued combing nearby forests and identified routes believed to be frequently used by criminal gangs operating within the region. The military stressed that efforts remain focused on ensuring that all remaining victims are rescued while those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
The latest operation comes amid growing concerns over the rising threat of kidnapping and banditry across parts of Kogi State. In recent months, several highways within the state have witnessed attacks targeting commuters, forcing security agencies to intensify surveillance and military operations in vulnerable areas. Residents have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to protect travelers and prevent criminal groups from establishing control over strategic road corridors.
Kogi State occupies a critical position within Nigeria’s transportation network, serving as a major link between the northern and southern parts of the country. Because of its strategic location, many travelers pass through the state daily, making security along its highways a matter of national concern. Unfortunately, criminal gangs have increasingly exploited isolated sections of these roads to carry out kidnappings, robberies and other violent crimes.
The state government has consistently assured residents that efforts are being intensified to tackle insecurity and dismantle criminal networks operating across affected communities. Authorities have maintained that security agencies remain committed to tracking down kidnappers and restoring confidence among citizens and travelers. The government has also continued to encourage residents to provide useful intelligence capable of supporting security operations.
The rescue of the twenty-three victims is expected to bring relief to families who may have feared the worst after news of the abduction emerged. Across Nigeria, kidnapping incidents often leave relatives in emotional distress as victims can spend days or even weeks in captivity while negotiations and rescue efforts continue. The successful operation therefore represents a significant moment of hope amid the country’s ongoing battle against violent criminal groups.
Security analysts have also pointed to the operation as evidence of the importance of rapid response and coordinated intelligence gathering in combating kidnapping. They argue that quick intervention often reduces the ability of criminals to move victims to secure hideouts, increasing the chances of successful rescue missions. Similar military operations in Kogi have in recent months resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped victims and the disruption of criminal activities in various parts of the state.
As security forces continue their pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers, residents and travelers are hoping that the latest breakthrough will serve as a major setback for criminal groups operating in the region. For now, the rescue of twenty-three victims stands as one of the most significant security successes recorded in the area in recent weeks, offering renewed confidence that sustained military pressure can help curb the menace of kidnapping and improve safety along Nigeria’s highways.
