Bandits on the Run as Troops Rescue 23 Kidnap Victims, Police Recover 245 Stolen Cattle
Security operatives have recorded major successes against criminal elements in Kogi and Kaduna states, rescuing kidnap victims and recovering hundreds of rustled cattle during separate operations.
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, rescued 23 kidnapped passengers following an attack by suspected bandits along the Ayegunle–Bunu Road in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
According to an operational report obtained in Abuja, the attack occurred in the early hours of Monday when armed assailants blocked the highway and abducted an unspecified number of travellers.
Troops stationed in Kabba swiftly responded to a distress call but arrived after the attackers had fled the scene. During a search operation, soldiers discovered two lifeless bodies, five injured victims, two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned along the road.
The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation along the kidnappers’ escape routes. Sustained military pressure forced the criminals to abandon 23 kidnapped passengers, who were subsequently rescued.
The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for treatment, while security forces continue efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and rescue any remaining captives.
In a related development, the Kaduna State Police Command foiled separate cattle rustling and kidnapping attempts in Igabi and Kudan Local Government Areas, recovering a total of 245 stolen cattle.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed in a statement on Monday that bandits attacked a Fulani settlement near Rubu Village in Igabi LGA on Sunday, tying up herders and security guards before rustling a large number of cattle.
Following a report from the Chairman of Miyetti Allah in the area, the Divisional Police Officer of Rigachikun Division mobilised police operatives, local vigilantes and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force to pursue the attackers.
The combined team trailed the suspects, alerted neighbouring communities and intensified pressure on the bandits, forcing them to abandon over 200 cattle and release their captives before fleeing into the bush.
In another operation in Hunkuyi, police acted on intelligence indicating that 45 stolen cattle had been hidden in a forested area at Hawan Mai Mashi along the Zaria–Kano Expressway.
A joint team comprising police officers and personnel of the Kaduna State Vigilance Service stormed the location. On sighting the operatives, the bandits reportedly opened fire but were repelled by superior police firepower.
The suspects escaped with suspected gunshot wounds, abandoning all 45 cattle, which were successfully recovered.
The Kaduna State Police Command said investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the attacks.
The latest operations underscore ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of banditry across the country.
