Segun Atanda/
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 23 victims abducted during a deadly terrorist attack along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, after a swift counter-kidnapping operation launched in the early hours of Sunday.
The rescue comes hours after gunmen ambushed travellers on the highway, killing two people, injuring five others and abducting passengers from two commercial buses and a truck.
In a statement, the Nigerian Army said troops of the 12 Brigade responded immediately after receiving a distress call at about 3.30am on Sunday, reporting that suspected terrorists had barricaded the road and were carrying out mass abductions.
According to the Army, troops deployed from the Kabba area were mobilised to the scene without delay.
“Acting on a distress call received at about 3:30 am, troops deployed within the Kabba metropolis immediately staged a rescue operation to the scene,” the statement said.
Although the attackers had fled before security personnel arrived, soldiers launched what the Army described as an aggressive pursuit operation along the kidnappers’ suspected escape routes.
During an assessment of the scene, troops discovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside, confirming reports that the attackers had targeted multiple vehicles during the operation.
The Army disclosed that the attack claimed two lives.
“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 statement added.
The military said sustained pressure from pursuing troops disrupted the kidnappers’ escape plan and forced them to abandon a significant number of captives.
“The relentless pressure mounted by the pursuing troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 23 of their captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed and secured,” the Army said.
However, the exact number of people still being held by the terrorists remains unclear.
Security forces have continued search-and-rescue operations across the area amid concerns that some victims may still be in captivity.
“Troops have continued to dominate the general area and are conducting intensive search-and-rescue operations aimed at locating and safely recovering any remaining victims still in captivity,” the statement noted.
The latest development follows reports that heavily armed attackers struck along the Ayegunle–Bunu corridor, abducting dozens of travellers after intercepting vehicles on the highway under the cover of darkness.
The incident has renewed concerns over insecurity along major roads in Kogi State and neighbouring areas, where communities and travellers have increasingly faced threats from armed criminal groups.
Reaffirming its commitment to ongoing operations, the Army said it remained determined to deny criminal elements freedom of movement.
“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 said.
The military also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely intelligence.
“The public is urged to please continue supporting ongoing security efforts by providing timely and credible information to relevant security agencies.”
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