Twenty-one passengers rescued after armed bandit attacks on Kogi highways, two security personnel killed

Twenty-one passengers rescued after armed bandit attacks on Kogi highways, two security personnel killed

Kogi State – Twenty-one passengers escaped unharmed on Thursday following coordinated armed bandit attacks on multiple vehicles traveling major highways in Kogi State, authorities confirmed. The rescue effort, however, claimed the lives of two security personnel.

According to security sources, approximately 100 armed assailants ambushed several vehicles, including a Toyota Siena (YAB 968 AX) traveling from Oshogbo to Kaduna, and a Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) heading from Owo, Ondo State, to Abuja. Other targeted vehicles included a Toyota Hiace (GKP 178 XA) en route from Abuja to Ekiti State, a Toyota Carina (JMU 648 AA) from Lokoja to Kabba, a Dangote truck carrying 900 bags of cement, and a J5 bus (FTA 313 XV) transporting pepper from Kano to Lagos. The attacks reportedly occurred around 2 p.m., exposing travelers to potential abduction.

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A joint operation involving the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, Quick Response Units, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilante groups, and community hunters engaged the attackers in a shootout, successfully rescuing the passengers.

Among those rescued were Moses Oladimeji, Adele Jacob, Obed Onche, Babayemi Ajayi, Funmilayo Ajayi, Samuel Olawoyin, Samuel Job, Jemima Joseph, Nanko Joseph, Enenche Paulina, Bright Enenche, Rachael Enenche, Deborah Enenche (9 days old), Bukola Clement, Toyin Clement, Glory Clement, Faith Clement, and the drivers of the Dangote truck and J5 bus.

Tragically, one soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and a vigilante from Odoape were killed during the engagement. Their identities are yet to be confirmed.

The incident underscores the persistent security challenges on Kogi highways and the ongoing threats posed by armed bandits targeting travelers and commercial transport in the region.

Twenty-one passengers rescued after armed bandit attacks on Kogi highways, two security personnel killed