By Miriam Humbe
Troops of 12 Composite Brigade under 5 Division, Nigerian Army, have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued 11 passengers along Kabba-Ayere Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi disclosed this in a statement signed on 19th October, 2026.
The statement said the incident occurred on 18th October, 2026, when troops deployed at the patrol base in Kabba, while on routine patrol, responded to credible information on the activities of terrorists attempting to abduct passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle along the route.
On arrival, the troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bush.
Consequently, nine passengers, including the driver of the commercial vehicle, were rescued. The driver and two other passengers who sustained injuries were evacuated for medical attention, while the commercial vehicle was handed over to the appropriate authority.
In a follow-up operation on 19th October, 2026, troops exploited the general area and rescued two additional passengers who had fled into the bush during the encounter. This brings the total number of rescued victims to 11.
The statement said the successful operation underscores the unwavering commitment of troops of 12 Composite Brigade to protecting lives and property, denying terrorists freedom of action and ensuring the safety of commuters across Kogi State.
The Brigade urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
