Troops of the Nigerian Army, working with the Police and local vigilantes, have rescued eight passengers abducted on Friday along the Okene–Auchi Highway in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Security sources said nine gunmen in military camouflage ambushed a Toyota Hiace bus operated by Big Joe Ventures Ltd at Tyre village. The vehicle, with registration number FUG 13 XY, was en route from Abuja to Benin City with 12 passengers when the attackers forced it off the road and herded occupants into the bush.
A rapid response team of soldiers, police officers and vigilantes mobilised to the scene, pursued the assailants and engaged them in a brief exchange of fire. The driver and seven passengers were freed unharmed, and ammunition was recovered at the scene, according to the sources.
Operations are continuing to locate and free the remaining four captives, with security personnel combing adjoining forested areas. Authorities urged motorists using the corridor to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements as search-and-rescue efforts intensify.
