Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 11 passengers from suspected kidnappers along the Kabba-Ayere Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State following a security operation that forced the assailants to abandon their victims and escape into the surrounding bush.

The rescue began on Sunday when soldiers deployed at the 12 Composite Brigade’s patrol base in Kabba received credible intelligence about suspected terrorists attempting to abduct passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle. 

According to a statement issued on Monday by Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the brigade, the troops immediately moved to the scene, confronted the suspected kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the assailants to flee.

The soldiers initially rescued nine passengers, including the driver of the commercial vehicle. The driver and two other passengers who sustained injuries during the incident were evacuated for medical attention, while the vehicle was handed over to the appropriate authority. 

During a follow up search operation on Monday, troops combed the surrounding area and discovered two additional passengers who had fled into the bush during the confrontation, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 11.

The operation comes amid growing security concerns in Kogi State, where kidnappings and attacks on travellers have continued to raise fears over the safety of major roads. 

The situation has been further heightened by the reported abduction and subsequent death of Rosemary Adukwu, a councillor representing Ogugu Ward III in Olamaboro Local Government Area.

 She was reportedly abducted on September 30 while travelling to Onitsha, with her death later announced by the local government chairman.

The Army said the successful operation demonstrated its commitment to protecting lives and property while improving the safety of commuters across Kogi State. It urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts against criminal groups, adding that troops would sustain operations to deny suspected kidnappers freedom of action and safeguard travellers across the state.