Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following a counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The operation followed an attack by suspected bandits who reportedly barricaded the highway in the early hours of June 1, 2026, and abducted several passengers travelling through the area.
According to military sources, troops deployed within the Kabba metropolis responded swiftly to a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m. and immediately launched a rescue operation to the scene.
Although the kidnappers reportedly fled before security personnel arrived, troops commenced an aggressive pursuit along the suspected escape routes used by the criminals.
During an assessment of the scene, security operatives recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.
The Army disclosed that two victims were confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries during the attack.
The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, where they are currently receiving treatment.
According to the military, the sustained pressure mounted by troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 abducted passengers, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.
Troops have continued search-and-rescue operations in the area to locate and safely recover any remaining victims still in captivity.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of operation and pledged continued collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to strengthen security in Kogi State and across the country.
The Army also urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to relevant authorities.
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