21 Passengers Rescued As Bandits Attack Multiple Vehicles On Kogi Highways; 2 Security Personnel Killed

At least 21 passengers were rescued unhurt on Thursday after a large group of armed bandits launched coordinated attacks on multiple vehicles along highways in Kogi State. Two security personnel—a soldier and a vigilante—were killed during the ensuing rescue operation.

According to security sources, about 100 bandits ambushed several vehicles, including a Toyota Sienna (YAB 968 AX) traveling from Oshogbo to Kaduna; a Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) conveying passengers from Owo to Abuja; another Hiace (GKP 178 XA) heading from Abuja to Ekiti; 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 bags of pepper from Kano to Lagos.

The attacks, which occurred around 2:00 p.m., left several passengers vulnerable to abduction before security forces mounted a joint response.

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Quick Response Units, NSCDC personnel, vigilantes, local hunters, and other security operatives engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, successfully rescuing 21 victims—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, 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.

One soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and a vigilante from Odoape community were fatally wounded in the firefight. Their identities are yet to be released.

Security forces say operations are ongoing to track fleeing bandits, rescue any remaining abductees, and restore calm across communities along the affected routes. The incident underscores the persistent threat of organized banditry in Kogi State despite recent counter-banditry efforts.