Eight passengers abducted from a commercial bus in Kogi State have been rescued following a joint operation by the police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes, authorities confirmed on Saturday.
The victims were among 12 people seized on Friday when gunmen ambushed a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd along the Okene–Auchi highway.
The vehicle, with registration number Edo FUG 13 XY, was en route from Abuja to Benin City when the attack occurred.
Spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, Superintendent of Police William Aya, said security forces responded swiftly after the incident was reported.
“Immediately the incident was reported, the Divisional Police Officer of Okene Division, CSP Nasir Muhammad, mobilised police operatives in collaboration with the military and vigilante groups,” Aya stated. “Through their efforts, eight victims, including the driver, were rescued.
Search operations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining four passengers and apprehend the culprits.”
Aya assured the public that security agencies remain committed to ensuring the safety of travellers on Kogi roads, stressing that reinforcements had been deployed to the affected axis.
The rescue comes just weeks after troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, supported by hybrid forces and vigilantes, freed 17 abducted persons—13 adults and four children—in the state.
Residents and commuters have continued to express concern over frequent abductions along major highways, with many calling for sustained military and police patrols to deter further attacks.
