Bandits Launch Fresh Attack On Kogi Highway, Kidnap Passengers

Hoodlums suspected to be bandits have reportedly abducted an unspecified number of travellers along the Isanlu–Makutu–Idofin road in Yagba East Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.

Locals said the armed men mounted a roadblock on Saturday, holding the area under siege for hours as they intercepted vehicles and forcefully took occupants into the forest.

“The exact number of those kidnapped is not yet known. What we heard across the community is that about three cars ran into the ambush, and all the occupants—except one—were taken,” said Enimola Daramola, a resident.

He added that later in the evening, reports filtered in that military personnel and local vigilantes tracked the attackers and engaged them in a gun duel, leading to the rescue of some of the victims.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, CSP William Aya, said a vehicle was attacked while travelling along the Idofin–Isanlu axis on Saturday.

“Three people were in the vehicle when it came under attack. One person, identified as Raji Adesukami, escaped, while two others were kidnapped,” he said.

“The Commissioner of Police has deployed a tactical team comprising the Quick Response Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to ensure the victims are rescued unhurt.”

However, a reliable military source revealed that troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, successfully rescued five kidnapped victims during coordinated operations around the Isanlu–Egbe area of Yagba East on 29 November 2025.

According to the source, the operation followed two separate kidnapping incidents in which several people were reportedly abducted.

This is coming after an unspecified number of passengers were abducted last Thursday along the Obajana–Ohokoshoko road in Lokoja LGA.

The Nigerian Army, in a coordinated operation, rescued 21 of the victims, while efforts are ongoing to free the remaining abductees and apprehend the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, Governor Usman Ododo has vowed to take the fight against banditry directly into the forest hideouts of criminal elements to ensure the safety of residents across the state.(Daily trust)