A swift military response has led to the rescue of 23 kidnapped passengers after armed bandits ambushed travelers along the Ayegunle–Igun Bunu Road in Kogi State.

According to the Nigerian Army, troops of the 12 Brigade launched an immediate counter-kidnapping operation after receiving an early morning distress call. Although the attackers had fled before soldiers arrived, security forces quickly tracked their escape routes and intensified pursuit efforts.

At the scene, troops recovered two commercial Toyota buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside. The attack, however, claimed the lives of two victims, while five others sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for medical attention.

The Army said the sustained pressure mounted by advancing troops forced the kidnappers to abandon most of their captives, leading to the successful rescue of 23 victims.

Military authorities reaffirmed their commitment to combating kidnapping and other criminal activities, urging residents to continue providing timely intelligence that can assist security operations.

The operation marks another breakthrough in ongoing efforts to improve security and deny criminal groups safe havens across Kogi State and surrounding areas.