Kogi State highway ambush leaves soldier dead and 13 passengers abducted

Gunmen disguised in military fatigues carried out a violent ambush on the Okene-Auchi Federal Highway in Kogi State, targeting two commercial vehicles. The attackers used a fake checkpoint to intercept a Toyota Sienna traveling from Abuja to Delta State, abducting six passengers.

A second vehicle, a Toyota Hiace bus traveling from Delta State toward Abuja, was also targeted. During the attack, seven passengers were seized from the bus. A non-commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army traveling on the bus was shot by the assailants; despite emergency efforts, he died from his injuries.

Forensic analysis at the scene recovered 7.62mm shell casings, indicating the use of AK-47 assault rifles. Security operatives have secured the abandoned vehicles for investigation.