Troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside other security operatives, have foiled a kidnapping attempt by bandits who attacked on some vehicles travelling along the Kogi highway.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism publication, the troops rescued 21 passengers during the operation that took place on Thursday at about 2pm.
Makama said the operation was carried out by troops of the 12 brigade of the Nigerian Army, men of the quick response units (QRU), operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC), vigilantes, local hunters, and other security personnel.
The publication said the security operatives engaged the bandits in a gun duel which led to the rescue of the passengers, adding that two personnel, including a soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape, died during the shoot-out.
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Quoting sources, Makama said about 100 armed bandits attacked a Toyota Siena with registration number YAB 968 AX travelling from Osogbo to Kaduna, a Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) conveying passengers from Owo, Ondo state, to Abuja.
It added that another Toyota Hiace (GKP 178 XA) from Abuja to Ekiti state, 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, were among those attacked by the armed men.
The publication said women and infants were among the 21 passengers rescued.
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According to the platform, the rescued passengers 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.
Makama said rescue operations were ongoing to rescue any remaining abducted victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
William Ovye Aya, police spokesperson in Kogi, was not immediately available for comments on the incident when contacted by TheCable.
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