Army foils kidnap attempt, rescues 11 passengers in Kogi

By Johnson Arua

Troops of the 12 Composite Brigade of the Nigerian Army have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued 11 passengers abducted by terrorists along Kabba-Ayere Road in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, according to the Brigade, followed credible intelligence about the activities of terrorists attempting to abduct passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle along the route on October 18, 2026.

The Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that troops deployed at the patrol base in Kabba responded promptly to the distress information while conducting routine patrols.

He said the troops, upon arriving at the scene, engaged the suspected terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon their victims and flee into the surrounding bush.

“Consequently, nine passengers, including the driver of the commercial vehicle, were rescued,” Abdullahi stated.

He added that the driver and two other passengers who sustained injuries during the incident were evacuated for proper medical attention, while the commercial vehicle was handed over to the appropriate authorities.

According to the statement, the military subsequently launched a follow-up operation on October 19, 2026, during which troops combed the area and rescued two additional passengers who had fled into the bush during the encounter.

The latest rescue brings the total number of passengers rescued in the operation to 11.

Abdullahi said the successful operation demonstrated the commitment of troops of the 12 Composite Brigade to protecting lives and property, denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring the safety of commuters across Kogi State.

He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing military operations.

The Brigade reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to sustaining efforts to combat criminal activities and safeguard the lives and property of residents of Kogi State.