Army Saves 11 Passengers from Kidnappers in Kogi

Troops of the Nigerian Army rescued 11 passengers after stopping a kidnapping attempt along Kabba-Ayere Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The rescue happened after a clash with suspected kidnappers on Sunday and a follow-up search on Monday, the army said.

Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 12 Composite Brigade, shared this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Abdullahi explained that soldiers at the brigade’s patrol base in Kabba were on routine patrol when they got reliable information about suspected criminals trying to kidnap passengers in a commercial vehicle.

"On arrival, the troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bush," he said.

Initially, the troops rescued nine passengers, including the driver of the vehicle. The driver and two other injured passengers were taken for medical care, while the commercial vehicle was handed over to the right authorities.

During a follow-up operation on Monday, troops searched the area and rescued two more passengers who had run into the bush during the clash. This brought the total number of rescued passengers to 11.

Mr Abdullahi said the operation showed the army’s dedication to protecting lives and property and improving safety for travelers in Kogi State.

This operation takes place amidst ongoing security issues in Kogi State, where kidnappings and attacks on travelers have raised worries about road safety.

In recent weeks, cases of abductions and killings have highlighted the dangers faced by residents and travelers in parts of the state and nearby areas.

The army encouraged the public to share timely and reliable information with security agencies to aid ongoing operations.

They said troops will continue their efforts to limit the actions of criminal groups and protect residents and travelers all over Kogi State.