Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 23 kidnapped passengers during a counter-kidnapping operation along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of June 1, 2026, followed a distress call at about 3:30 a.m. after suspected bandits blocked the highway and abducted travellers.

According to the Army, troops deployed from Kabba immediately mobilised to the scene, but the attackers had fled before their arrival. The soldiers subsequently launched a pursuit along suspected escape routes, recovering two Toyota buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the kidnappers.

Two victims were confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries and were taken to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for treatment.

Under sustained military pressure, the kidnappers were forced to abandon 23 hostages, who were rescued unharmed.

The Nigerian Army said troops have continued search-and-rescue operations in the area to locate any remaining victims, while reaffirming its commitment to denying criminal groups freedom of action in Kogi State and beyond.

Residents have also been urged to support security efforts by providing timely and credible intelligence to relevant authorities.