Troops rescue 31 kidnapped passengers in Kogi

Troops of the Nigerian Army, in a coordinated operation with the police and local hunters, successfully rescued 31 kidnapped passengers along the Apata-Obajana road in Kogi State on Thursday night.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, via his verified Twitter handle, reported that the abduction took place late on May 8, around 11:50 p.m.

Armed assailants had attacked two Toyota Hiace buses transporting travelers from Lagos to Kano and Katsina.

The first vehicle, bearing registration number DTF 773 XA and driven by Saminu Yahaya, was heading to Kano with 17 passengers. The second, with plate number KNA 170 XA and driven by Bashir Dahiru, carried 17 passengers bound for Katsina.

A distress call from a local hunter alerted security forces, who swiftly mobilized and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle.

The confrontation compelled the attackers to flee into the surrounding forest, leaving 31 of their captives behind.

Four of the rescued individuals sustained machete wounds, while another was shot in the left thigh.

All injured victims were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Search and rescue operations remain ongoing to secure the release of the remaining seven abducted passengers.

The Star