Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims in Kogi

Troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following an attack by suspected bandits along the Ayegunle–Bunu road in Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi state.

According to an operational report released on Monday, the attack occurred in the early hours of the day when armed assailants barricaded the road and abducted an unspecified number of travellers.

The report stated that troops deployed in Kabba swiftly responded to a distress call but arrived after the attackers had fled the scene.

On reaching the area, the soldiers discovered two dead bodies, five injured victims, two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.

The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation along the route taken by the kidnappers, leading to the rescue of 23 victims who were reportedly abandoned by their captors due to sustained military pressure.

The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, where they are receiving medical treatment.

Military authorities said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and rescue other victims still in captivity.

The operation is part of ongoing security efforts to curb kidnapping and violent crimes along major highways in Kogi State and neighbouring areas.