# Highway insecurity and abductions in Kogi State > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/highway-insecurity-and-abductions-in-kogi-state > Updated: 2026-08-30T06:20:53.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 3. A series of violent highway ambushes and abductions has been reported in Kogi State. In mid-August, gunmen wearing military fatigues used a fake checkpoint on the Okene-Auchi Federal Highway to intercept two commercial vehicles, resulting in the death of a Nigerian Army non-commissioned officer and the abduction of 13 passengers. On August 26, 2026, a similar incident occurred on the Aloma–Egane Expressway in the Ofu Local Government Area. Armed gunmen emerged from the bush near the Ogene Zaria/Onicha-Igo Junction to block two commercial buses, including a white Peace Mass Transit Hummer and a yellow 18-seater bus. The victims were primarily members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II, traveling from their orientation camp in Bayelsa State toward Abuja. Following the initial attack, a joint security operation successfully rescued 11 individuals, including the drivers. By August 30, a large-scale operation involving the Nigerian military, police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes rescued an additional 21 victims—eight males and 13 females—from the Egume-Ochaja forest. Among this group were 15 NYSC members. Reports indicate that kidnappers had demanded a ransom of 20 million naira for each abducted NYSC member. One male victim sustained a gunshot wound during the incident and was evacuated for medical treatment. President Bola Tinubu commended the rescue efforts, noting that the survivors are receiving medical attention and directed that the perpetrators be brought to justice. Security agencies continue to pursue the fleeing kidnappers to apprehend those responsible. ## Claims - Security operatives rescued 11 people, mostly NYSC members, following an attack on two buses. (disputed by 9 sources) - The victims were travelling from the NYSC orientation camp in Bayelsa State toward Abuja. (disputed by 9 sources) - The 15 NYSC members were abducted while traveling from Abuja to Bayelsa State. (disputed by 6 sources) - Joint security forces rescued 21 victims, including 15 NYSC members, from the Egume-Ochaja forest. (disputed by 4 sources) - The rescue operation was a coordinated effort involving the military, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, and local vigilantes. (corroborated by 13 sources) - Gunmen blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions on the Aloma–Egane Expressway. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Police recovered a white Peace Mass Transit Hummer bus and a yellow 18-seater bus at the scene. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Security operations are ongoing in the surrounding forest to rescue remaining victims and apprehend perpetrators. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The attack took place at approximately 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The kidnapping occurred along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in the Ofu Local Government Area. (corroborated by 9 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-30: Kogi State: 21 Nigerians, including 15 NYSC members, rescued from kidnappers Security forces in Kogi State have rescued 21 Nigerians, including 15 NYSC members, from a forest hideout following their abduction last week. Kidnappers had reportedly demanded 20 million naira per victim. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kogi-state-kidnappers-demand-20m-ransom-per-abducted-nysc-member ### 2026-08-28: Kogi State police rescue 11 NYSC members after highway bus attack Police rescued 11 NYSC members after gunmen attacked two buses on the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Kogi State, leaving several others missing. Security operations continue to locate the remaining victims. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/15-nysc-members-abducted-along-kogi-highway ### 2026-08-12: Kogi State highway ambush leaves soldier dead and 13 passengers abducted Armed men in military uniforms ambushed two vehicles on Nigeria's Okene-Auchi Federal Highway, killing a Nigerian Army officer and abducting 13 passengers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kogi-state-highway-ambush-leaves-soldier-dead-and-13-passengers-abducted --- Cite as: Highway insecurity and abductions in Kogi State. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/highway-insecurity-and-abductions-in-kogi-state