Kogi Police Foil Kidnapping of 23 Passengers on Lokoja-Kabba Road, Arrest Armed Suspects: One Killed, Six Injured

 

In a significant development highlighting Nigeria's ongoing battle against insecurity, the Kogi State Police Command has successfully foiled two separate kidnapping attempts, saving 23 innocent travelers from what could have been another deadly ordeal on one of Nigeria's increasingly dangerous highways. These security operations are part of intensified efforts by law enforcement in Kogi State to curb the growing wave of banditry, abduction, and violent crime that continues to plague various parts of the country.

The Kogi police command, led by Commissioner of Police Miller G. Dantawaye, remains committed to the safety of lives and property, as demonstrated in the swift response to an attempted mass kidnapping along the Lokoja-Kabba highway.

The Attack: How It Happened

On Monday, June 23, 2025, a group of armed criminals launched a brazen attack on a vehicle transporting 23 passengers along the Obajana–Oshokoshoko stretch of the Lokoja/Kabba Road. This particular route, which serves as a major artery linking Kogi to other parts of central and southern Nigeria, has unfortunately gained notoriety in recent years for being a hotspot for banditry and kidnappings.

According to the official statement issued by the Kogi State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, the incident unfolded when the unsuspecting passengers were suddenly ambushed by heavily armed hoodlums who emerged from nearby bushes and began firing sporadically at the vehicle. Their clear objective was to abduct all 23 passengers for ransom—a tactic that has become all too common in many parts of northern and central Nigeria.

However, thanks to the timely intervention of operatives attached to the Obajana Division, the attackers were swiftly confronted.

Police Response: Immediate and Effective

SP Aya detailed the heroics of the police officers, stating, “On 23rd June 2025, the operatives attached to Obajana Division, while on a confidence-building patrol along Obajana–Oshokoshoko Road, foiled an attempted abduction of 23 passengers who were attacked by armed hoodlums.”

The police team, which was already on a routine patrol in the area, responded to the sounds of gunfire. Without delay, they advanced toward the scene and engaged the criminals in a gun battle. This rapid action turned the tide in favor of the victims.

“Upon sighting the police, the hoodlums opened fire but were repelled, which forced them to abandon their victims and flee,” the police spokesman explained.

Thanks to their bravery and tactical response, all the passengers were successfully rescued. Tragically, not everyone made it out unscathed. “Unfortunately, six victims sustained injuries, and one died while receiving treatment,” SP Aya confirmed.

Rising Security Concerns Along Lokoja-Kabba Road

The Lokoja-Kabba road has increasingly drawn attention due to its strategic importance and growing insecurity. Serving as a major corridor for inter-state travel, it has witnessed numerous attacks ranging from armed robbery to full-scale kidnappings.

This rescue operation comes as a relief to many residents and travelers who use the route regularly. The successful intervention is a clear signal that the police and other security agencies are actively taking steps to reclaim the highways and restore public confidence.

Another Arrest in Ayingba

In a related security operation, the police also made key arrests involving illegal arms possession. On June 21, 2025—just two days before the foiled kidnapping—officers from the Ayingba Division arrested two suspects, Umaru Jibril and Lukman Umaru, during a routine stop-and-search operation.

The two were found in possession of a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and substances suspected to be Indian hemp. These items suggest potential involvement in criminal activities, possibly including robbery or kidnapping.

SP William Aya revealed that the suspects were taken into custody and are currently assisting the police with further investigation. “The suspects will be arraigned in court upon completion of the investigation,” he added.

Police Commissioner Reaffirms Commitment to Safety

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, used the occasion to reassure citizens of the state that the command remains unwavering in its duty to protect life and property.

In his words, CP Dantawaye stated that the command is working “in synergy with other security agencies” to combat crime in all its forms, from armed robbery and kidnapping to drug trafficking and cultism.

He commended the bravery of the officers involved in the Obajana rescue operation and promised continued intelligence-led patrols and surveillance, particularly along high-risk roads and rural communities.

Implications for National Security

While Kogi State has been relatively proactive in addressing internal security threats, the attempted kidnapping highlights a broader issue of nationwide insecurity. From Zamfara to Kaduna, Plateau to Benue, and now even in central states like Kogi, the rise in violent crimes has created a climate of fear for many Nigerians.

Mass abductions for ransom have become a primary source of income for many criminal gangs. The situation has also led to loss of public trust in state institutions and a sharp decline in inter-state commerce due to safety concerns on major highways.

The Way Forward

Experts have long argued that while prompt police action, such as this one, is commendable, long-term solutions are needed. These include:

• Improved intelligence gathering: Through community policing, local informants, and technology like drones and CCTV.

• Swift prosecution of arrested suspects: To deter others from engaging in similar crimes.

• Government investment in rural development: Many criminals hide and operate in forested rural areas with no access to state presence.

• Inter-agency collaboration: Security outfits like Amotekun in the Southwest and vigilante groups in the North Central should work more closely with the police.

Public Reactions and Social Media Buzz

The news of the foiled kidnapping quickly spread across social media, with many users praising the efforts of the Kogi State Police Command. Some, however, lamented the loss of one of the passengers and expressed fears over the frequency of such attacks.

A user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:

“It’s great that they saved those people, but why are our roads still so unsafe? When will this nightmare end?”

Others called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency on highway security, citing recent similar incidents in nearby states.

Final Thoughts

The June 23 incident on the Lokoja/Kabba road serves as both a warning and a reassurance. It warns us of the dangers that still lurk on Nigeria’s highways, especially in regions prone to lawlessness. But it also reassures us that with coordinated efforts, bravery, and determination, the tide can be turned.

Kudos must go to the officers of the Kogi State Police Command for their gallant response. The successful rescue of 23 passengers is no small feat, and their actions likely prevented a national tragedy.

At NaijaRush, we will continue to monitor and report on these critical security developments that affect the daily lives of Nigerians. Citizens are encouraged to remain alert, report suspicious activity, and support efforts aimed at making our roads safe again.