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The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued 23 passengers who were abducted by suspected bandits during a highway attack along the Ayegunle-Bunu road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
In a statement, the Army said the rescue followed a counter-kidnapping operation launched after a distress call was received at about 3:30 a.m. on Monday.
TROOPS IN KOGI CRUSH KIDNAPPERS’ ESCAPE PLAN, RESCUE 23 VICTIMS
Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following a swift counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.… pic.twitter.com/YIDbxP1z8s
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) June 1, 2026
It said armed assailants had blocked the highway and abducted passengers travelling through the area before fleeing the scene ahead of the arrival of troops.
The statement added that soldiers, after arriving at the scene, recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned along the roadside.
It further stated that two victims were confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries and were taken to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for treatment.
According to the Army, sustained pressure from pursuing troops forced the abductors to abandon 23 of their captives, who were rescued unharmed.
“Although the kidnappers had fled before the arrival of security forces, troops swiftly initiated an aggressive pursuit along the criminals’ suspected withdrawal routes,” the statement reads.
“The troops during an assessment of the attack scene recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.
“Sadly, two victims were confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries and were promptly evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, where they are currently receiving treatment.
“The relentless pressure mounted by the pursuing troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 of their captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed and secured.”
It added that troops have continued search-and-rescue operations in the area to locate any remaining victims still in captivity.
Earlier, the Kogi State Police Command had said 30 persons were affected in the attack, including 26 men and four women, according to its spokesperson, Saliu Oyiza.
