Kogi Bandit Attack Leaves One Dead, 30 Abducted as Troops Rescue 23 in Early Morning Raid

Kogi Bandit Attack Leaves One Dead, 30 Abducted as Troops Rescue 23 in Early Morning Raid

Kogi State, Nigeria – Residents of Ayegunle Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Monday following a deadly bandit attack that reportedly claimed one life and led to the abduction of more than 30 people. According to preliminary reports, the attack occurred at about 2:25 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, with one person reportedly killed during the incident, while another sustained injuries. The bandits, who operated for several minutes before fleeing with dozens of captives, barricaded the major road and intercepted travellers passing through the community.

Sources within the community disclosed that two residents of Ayegunle Bunu—a man described as a pastor and a woman—were among those kidnapped by the attackers. The remaining victims were said to be passengers travelling in a commercial bus that was intercepted by the gunmen while passing through the area. The bandits reportedly forced the passengers out of the vehicle at gunpoint before marching them into nearby bushes.

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Commissioner of Police Naziru Kankarofi, while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the Passing-Out Parade of 565 newly trained police constables at the Command Headquarters in Lokoja, said investigations are ongoing and that his men have since launched efforts to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Oyiza Afusat Salihu, also confirmed that security agencies are working around the clock to rescue the kidnapped victims. She assured residents that the command has deployed additional tactical units to the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of those abducted.

In a major development following the attack, troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed in Kabba responded swiftly to distress calls and successfully rescued 23 kidnapped passengers. According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when the attackers barricaded the road and abducted an unspecified number of passengers. Security sources revealed that the attack occurred around 3:30 a.m. , with armed men blocking the road and attacking commuters travelling along the route.

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When troops arrived at the scene, the assailants had already fled into the surrounding forest. However, soldiers discovered two dead bodies and five injured victims at the scene, as well as two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside. The vehicles appeared to have been hurriedly deserted as passengers fled or were taken captive. A security source familiar with the operation said: “The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation along the kidnappers’ withdrawal routes, leading to the rescue of 23 passengers who had been abandoned due to the sustained pressure from the military.” The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for medical attention. Hospital sources confirmed that the five injured persons were receiving treatment and were in stable condition as of Monday afternoon.

Military sources confirmed that operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing attackers and rescue any remaining victims still in captivity. Surveillance and clearance operations have been intensified in the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of road users travelling through the Ayegunle Bunu axis. The Ayegunle–Bunu axis has reportedly recorded repeated cases of kidnapping and banditry in recent times, prompting a stronger military response to secure the corridor. The Nigerian Army has pledged to maintain pressure on criminal elements operating along major highways in Kogi State.

Residents of Ayegunle Bunu and surrounding communities have been left in shock and fear following the brazen attack. The assault, which marked a violent start to the month of June, has raised fresh concerns about the deteriorating security situation along major highways and rural communities in Kogi State. One resident, who pleaded anonymity for safety reasons, told reporters: “We heard gunshots around 2 a.m. and everyone ran inside. By the time we came out in the morning, we learned that one of our neighbours had been killed and many people, including our pastor, had been taken away. We are living in constant fear.”

The latest incident comes barely 24 hours after the Kogi State Government suspended the Echane Festival in Ebiraland, citing security concerns. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the suspension followed credible intelligence indicating that activities associated with the festival could threaten public peace.

Key facts from the attack include the following: the date of the attack was Monday, June 1, 2026; the time was approximately 2:25 a.m. according to preliminary reports or 3:30 a.m. according to army operational reports; the location was Ayegunle Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu LGA, Kogi State; casualties included one confirmed dead and five injured who are receiving treatment; over 30 people were abducted including a pastor and a woman from the community plus commercial bus passengers; 23 passengers were rescued by Nigerian Army troops; two Toyota commercial buses and one HOWO truck were recovered; and a manhunt is ongoing as security agencies work to rescue remaining victims.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Government had not issued an official statement on the incident. Efforts are ongoing to determine the exact number of abducted persons and gather further details surrounding the attack. Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and report any suspicious movements in their communities to the nearest police station or military formation.

Kogi Bandit Attack Leaves One Dead, 30 Abducted as Troops Rescue 23 in Early Morning Raid