Army Foils Kidnap Attempt in Kogi, Rescues 11 Passengers Along Kabba Ayere Road

By Chibuzo Obidike | IchieTimes

Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued 11 passengers following an encounter with suspected terrorists along Kabba Ayere Road in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The operation, according to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, took place on October 18, 2026, when troops on routine patrol responded to credible information about an attempted abduction of passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle.

The statement said the troops, deployed at the patrol base in Kabba, engaged the suspected terrorists upon arrival at the scene, forcing them to abandon the passengers and flee into the surrounding bush.

Nine passengers, including the driver, were rescued during the initial operation. 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 October 19, troops searched the surrounding area and rescued two additional passengers who had fled into the bush during the encounter, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 11.

The Army said the operation reflected its commitment to protecting lives and property, restricting the activities of armed groups and improving the safety of commuters across Kogi State.

It urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations and efforts to safeguard communities.

The statement was signed by Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 12 Composite Brigade, Nigerian Army, on October 19, 2026