Lokoja: Troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other hybrid forces, successfully rescued 21 passengers who were abducted by bandits along highways in Kogi. The operation took place on Thursday, and the rescue was confirmed by the 12 Brigade’s spokesperson, Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the passengers were abducted on the Kabba-Obajana Road axis, where two security personnel tragically lost their lives during the rescue operation. Lt. Abdullahi stated that efforts were ongoing to locate any remaining abductees and to apprehend the perpetrators involved in the incident.
Reports indicated that approximately 100 bandits targeted a convoy of six vehicles traveling between southern and northern Nigeria. The attacks, which took place around 2:00 p.m., involved vehicles such as a Toyota Siena, a Toyota Hiace, a Toyota Carina, a Dangote truck carrying 900 bags of cement, and a J5 bus transporting pepper.
The rescue operation was a joint effort by the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Quick Response Units, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilante, and hunters. They engaged the bandits in a gun duel, which resulted in the successful release of 21 passengers, including men, women, and infants.
The individuals rescued included Moses Oladimeji, Adele Jacob, Obed Onche, Babayemi and Funmilayo Ajayi, Samuel Olawoyin, Samuel Job, Jemima and Nanko Joseph, and Enenche Paulina. Also rescued were Bright, Rachael, and Deborah Enenche, Bukola and Toyin Clement, Glory and Faith Clement, Peter Olawale, and the drivers of the Dangote truck and J5 bus. Unfortunately, one soldier from the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape were killed during the operation.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that earlier in the week, troops from the 12 Brigade had thwarted an ambush by bandits, resulting in the death of one bandit and the rescue of a kidnapped victim along the same Kabba-Obajana Road. Communities in the area have been urged to remain vigilant amid increasing bandit activity in Kogi State.