21 Passengers Rescued as Armed Bandits Strike Kogi Highways, 2 Security Operatives Killed

Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen

At least 21 passengers were rescued unharmed following a coordinated series of attacks by armed bandits along Kogi State highways on Thursday afternoon. The attacks, which occurred around 2:00 p.m., targeted multiple vehicles traveling across the state, leaving passengers vulnerable to abduction.

Vehicles attacked included a Toyota Siena from Oshogbo to Kaduna, two Toyota Hiace buses—one from Owo to Abuja and another from Abuja to Ekiti State—a Toyota Carina traveling from Lokoja to Kabba, a Dangote truck carrying 900 bags of cement, and a J5 bus transporting pepper from Kano to Lagos.

A joint rescue operation involving the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Quick Response Units (QRU), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) vigilantes, local hunters, and other security operatives engaged the bandits in a gun duel. The coordinated response successfully secured the release of all 21 passengers, including men, women, and infants. Rescued passengers included 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, Peter Olawale, and the drivers of the Dangote truck and J5 bus.

Tragically, one soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape lost their lives during the operation. Their identities are yet to be confirmed. Rescue efforts continue to locate any remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.

Communities along the highways have been placed on high alert following the attacks, highlighting the persistent threat of organized banditry in the region. Security sources emphasized that while coordinated military and local security operations are effective in rescuing victims, the loss of personnel underscores the grave risks faced by those on the frontline.

The incident has renewed calls for heightened security measures along highways in Kogi State and increased collaboration between security forces and local communities to prevent further attacks

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