Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued 23 passengers who were abducted by suspected bandits along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, June 1, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., when armed men believed to be bandits barricaded the road and attacked commuters traveling along the route.
Rescue Operation Details
The attackers abducted an unspecified number of passengers before troops from the 12 Brigade deployed in Kabba mobilized to the scene in response to a distress call. According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, by the time the troops arrived, the kidnappers had fled the area. However, the soldiers discovered two dead bodies and five injured victims at the scene. They also recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck that had been abandoned by the roadside.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation along the suspected escape routes of the kidnappers. This led to the rescue of 23 abducted passengers who were abandoned by their captors due to the pressure exerted by the advancing troops. The rescued victims were evacuated to safety, while the injured were taken to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for medical treatment.
Ongoing Efforts
Military sources confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing kidnappers and secure the release of any remaining victims still in captivity. The sources added that troops have intensified surveillance and clearance operations in the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of road users. The Nigerian Army remains committed to combating banditry and ensuring the security of all citizens.
