Nigerian Army troops and joint security forces on Thursday thwarted a massive bandit attack on multiple vehicles along highways in Kogi State, rescuing 21 passengers unharmed but losing two gallant operatives in the process.
Around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, approximately 100 heavily armed bandits launched coordinated ambushes on six vehicles travelling in different directions.
The targeted convoy included:A Toyota Sienna (YAB 968 AX) from Osogbo to Kaduna
A Toyota Hiace bus (7BGT-78LG) from Owo, Ondo State to Abuja
A second Toyota Hiace (GKP 178 XA) from Abuja to Ekiti
A Toyota Carina (JMU 648 AA) from Lokoja to Kabba
A Dangote truck carrying 900 bags of cement
A J5 bus (FTA 313 XV) transporting pepper from Kano to Lagos
The attackers attempted to abduct the occupants and seize the vehicles.A rapid response by troops from 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Quick Response Units, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, and hunters engaged the bandits in a prolonged gun battle.
The joint team successfully overpowered the criminals and freed all 21 passengers, including women and a nine-day-old infant.
Rescued victims were identified as 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 two truck drivers.
Tragically, one soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape were killed during the intense firefight.
Their names are yet to be officially released.Security forces have launched follow-up operations to locate any remaining victims and hunt down the fleeing bandits.
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