Soldier, 1 other killed as troops rescue 21 passengers after massive bandit attacks on Kogi highways

Twenty-one passengers escaped unharmed on Thursday after armed bandits staged coordinated assaults on several vehicles plying major highways in Kogi State. The rescue effort, however, resulted in the deaths of two security personnel, authorities confirmed.

According to information shared with security analyst Zagozola Makama, an estimated 100 armed assailants ambushed a series of 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 vehicles caught in the attack included another 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 transporting 900 bags of cement, and a J5 bus (FTA 313 XV) carrying pepper from Kano to Lagos. The incidents reportedly unfolded around 2 p.m., leaving travelers exposed to possible abduction.

Security forces—comprising the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade, Quick Response Units, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, vigilante groups, local hunters, and other operatives—launched a joint response and engaged the attackers in a shootout.

The operation led to the successful rescue of 21 individuals, including adults and infants.

“Rescued passengers 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, 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.”

However, the report added that one soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and a vigilante from Odoape were killed during the exchange of fire. “Their identities are yet to be confirmed,” the report said.