𝟐𝟏 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐊𝐨𝐠𝐢 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬

At least 21 passengers were rescued unharmed after heavily armed bandits targeted several vehicles along major highways in Kogi State on Thursday. Sadly, two security operatives lost their lives during the rescue mission.

According to sources, around 100 gunmen ambushed multiple vehicles, including a Toyota Siena (YAB 968 AX) traveling from Oshogbo to Kaduna, a Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) carrying passengers from Owo in Ondo State to Abuja, and another Toyota Hiace (GKP 178 XA) en route from Abuja to Ekiti State. Other vehicles caught in the attack included a Toyota Carina (JMU 648 AA) going from Lokoja to Kabba, a Dangote truck transporting 900 bags of cement, and a J5 bus (FTA 313 XV) loaded with bags of pepper from Kano to Lagos. The ambush reportedly occurred around 2:00 p.m.

A joint security team, consisting of personnel from the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, Quick Response Units, NSCDC, local vigilantes, hunters, and other operatives, quickly engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel. Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed that the operation successfully freed 21 passengers, including men, women, and infants.

Those rescued include Moses Oladimeji, Adele Jacob, Obed Onche, Babayemi Ajayi, Funmilayo Ajayi, Samuel Olawoyin, Samuel Job, Jemima Joseph, Nanko Joseph, Enenche Paulina, Bright Enenche, Rachael Enenche, nine-day-old Deborah Enenche, Bukola Clement, Toyin Clement, Glory Clement, Faith Clement, Peter Olawale, and the drivers of the Dangote truck and J5 bus.

Tragically, one soldier assigned to the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape died while confronting the attackers. Their identities have not yet been released.

Search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing to locate any remaining abducted passengers and pursue the gunmen believed to have fled into nearby forests. Authorities have pledged to continue operations until all threats along the highways are neutralized.