Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims in Kogi 

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following a swift counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, carried out by personnel of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, was launched in the early hours of June 1, 2026, after suspected bandits reportedly barricaded the highway and abducted several travellers moving through the area.

Military authorities said troops received a distress call at about 3:30 a.m. and immediately mobilised from within the Kabba metropolis to the scene of the attack.

“Although the kidnappers had fled before security forces arrived, soldiers quickly commenced a pursuit along the suspected escape routes used by the criminals.

“During an assessment of the scene, troops recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.

“The vehicles were believed to have been affected during the attack on the passengers”, Army said

The Army, however, disclosed that the incident resulted in casualties, as two victims were confirmed dead, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital for medical treatment and are currently receiving care”, it added.

According to military sources, the sustained pressure mounted by the pursuing troops disrupted the kidnappers’ plans and forced them to abandon 23 captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.

Security forces have since intensified operations across the area, maintaining a strong presence and conducting search-and-rescue missions aimed at locating and safely recovering any remaining victims who may still be in captivity.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to denying criminal elements freedom of movement and action across the country, stressing that it would continue to work closely with other security agencies and local communities to improve security in Kogi State and beyond.

Authorities also appealed to members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to relevant agencies, noting that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against kidnapping, banditry and other forms of criminality.