By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following a counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The rescue operation was launched in the early hours of Sunday after suspected kidnappers barricaded the highway and abducted travellers plying the route.
According to the Army, troops stationed within the Kabba metropolis responded swiftly to a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m. and immediately moved to the scene to rescue the victims.
Although the attackers had fled before security operatives arrived, troops commenced a pursuit along the suspected escape routes of the kidnappers.
During a search of the area, security personnel recovered two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside.
The Army disclosed that two of the victims lost their lives during the attack, while five others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Military authorities said sustained pressure mounted on the fleeing kidnappers forced them to abandon 23 captives, who were subsequently rescued unharmed by the troops.
The Army added that troops have continued intensive search-and-rescue operations in the area to locate and secure the freedom of any remaining victims who may still be in captivity.
It reaffirmed its commitment to combating criminal activities and denying kidnappers and other criminal elements freedom of operation across Kogi State and other parts of the country.
The military also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations against criminal groups.