Multiple major highways in Kogi State Nigeria came under coordinated attack on Thursday afternoon, when approximately 100 armed terrorists ambushed at least six vehicles traveling in different directions. The targets included a Toyota Siena (Osogbo–Kaduna), two Toyota Hiace buses (from Owo to Abuja, and Abuja to Ekiti), a Toyota Carina (Lokoja–Kabba), a Dangote cement-laden truck and a pepper-laden J5 bus.
The attackers reportedly forced many passengers to flee into surrounding bushes as they attempted to abduct occupants and seize the vehicles.
A joint security response — involving troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Quick Response Units (QRU), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), vigilantes, local hunters and other security operatives — quickly mobilized to intercept the gunmen. After an intense shoot-out, they succeeded in rescuing 21 passengers, including women and a nine-day-old infant.
Sadly, the rescue came at a cost. One soldier attached to the Oshokoshoko sector and one vigilante from Odoape community were confirmed dead from gunshot wounds sustained during the engagement. Their identities have not yet been released.
Sources say the attack began around 2:00 p.m., with terrorist spreading out along the busy corridor to ambush traffic. Vehicles targeted included commercial buses, a cement-laden truck and other long-distance transporters — suggesting the attackers intended mass abductions and possibly ransom.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama described the incident as a grim reminder of the escalating reach and coordination of armed gangs warning that isolated security patrols are no longer enough to guarantee safety on Nigerian highways.
Local authorities have appealed to motorists and travellers to avoid the affected routes until security forces fully secure the area, while calling for increased deployment of troops and vigilante patrols along transit corridors.
Dalena Reporters will continue to monitor developments — including follow-up operations, arrests, and efforts to restore public safety on Kogi’s major roads.