Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Carmen Diego
Troops of the Nigerian Army stationed in Okoloke have thwarted an attempted kidnapping along the Okunran–Okoloke road in Yagba West Local Government Area, rescuing three individuals who were ambushed by suspected armed bandits. The incident occurred on February 23, 2026, according to local sources familiar with the operation.
Residents said the victims were travelling along the largely rural stretch of road when gunmen emerged and attempted to intercept their vehicle. The Okunran–Okoloke axis has in recent years been identified by security observers as a vulnerable corridor due to its sparse settlements and proximity to forested terrain, which provides cover for criminal elements. The attackers reportedly sought to abduct the occupants before troops on routine patrol intervened.
Military personnel from a forward operating base in Okoloke responded swiftly after receiving distress signals, engaging the assailants in a gunfight. Witnesses described a brief but intense exchange of fire that forced the attackers to retreat into surrounding bush paths. The rapid response prevented the abduction and secured the safe release of the three victims, who were later escorted to safety.
Security operatives recovered a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle abandoned at the scene. The weapon is believed to have been dropped by one of the fleeing gunmen during the confrontation. No fatalities were reported among the victims or the responding troops, though security officials have not released detailed operational accounts pending further assessment.
The rescued individuals were reportedly en route to Oja-Egbe in the Egbe area at the time of the ambush. Egbe, a prominent community within Yagba West, serves as a commercial hub for surrounding towns and villages. Traders and commuters frequently traverse the Okunran–Okoloke road, making the attempted abduction particularly concerning for residents who rely on the route for daily economic activity.
Local leaders commended the army’s rapid intervention, describing it as a timely action that averted what could have escalated into a prolonged hostage situation. Kidnapping for ransom remains a persistent security challenge across several parts of Nigeria, including sections of Kogi State that border other states in the North Central and Southwest regions. Criminal networks often exploit inter-state boundaries and remote forest belts to evade capture.
The Nigerian Army has, in recent months, intensified patrols and reconnaissance missions in Kogi and adjoining areas as part of broader efforts to disrupt banditry and kidnapping syndicates. Security analysts note that Yagba West’s geographic position makes it a strategic zone for both legitimate commerce and criminal transit. Strengthened military visibility along key roads is viewed as a deterrent to opportunistic attacks.
Community members in Okoloke said the presence of troops has contributed to a relative sense of reassurance, though concerns persist about the adaptability of armed groups. Some residents called for additional checkpoints, improved road surveillance and closer collaboration between security agencies and local vigilante groups to consolidate gains.
While the identities of the rescued victims have not been publicly disclosed for security reasons, sources indicated that they were not physically harmed during the incident. Medical checks were reportedly conducted as a precautionary measure after the rescue. Authorities have not confirmed whether follow-up operations are underway to track down the fleeing suspects, but security patrols were said to have been reinforced along adjoining forest routes.
The recovery of a locally made assault rifle highlights the continued circulation of illicit arms among non-state actors. Security experts have repeatedly warned that the proliferation of small arms exacerbates criminal activity, enabling bandits to stage ambushes and engage security forces with increasingly sophisticated firepower. Efforts to stem illegal weapons trafficking remain a priority for federal authorities.
Kogi State has experienced fluctuating security dynamics in recent years, with incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery reported along highways and rural corridors. State authorities have consistently emphasized collaboration with federal security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and rapid response capabilities. The latest operation in Yagba West underscores the importance of proactive patrols in intercepting criminal acts before they escalate.
Residents in Egbe and neighboring communities resumed normal activities following the incident, though many expressed heightened vigilance. Traders in Oja-Egbe market noted that news of the attempted abduction initially caused anxiety among commuters, but confirmation of the successful rescue helped to calm tensions.
Security officials continue to urge members of the public to provide credible information that could aid in tracking down suspected criminal networks operating in remote areas. The military’s swift action in this case has been cited by community representatives as evidence that coordinated patrols and responsive engagement can significantly reduce the risk posed by bandit groups.
As operations persist across Yagba West, the Nigerian Army maintains that it remains committed to safeguarding major transit routes and protecting civilian populations. The foiled kidnapping attempt adds to a series of interventions aimed at restoring confidence in public safety within vulnerable communities.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments