JUST IN: Gunmen in Military Uniforms Kill Soldier, Abduct 13 on Okene–Auchi Highway

Suspected kidnappers disguised in military uniforms have killed a serving soldier and abducted 13 passengers during coordinated attacks on two commercial vehicles along the Okene–Auchi Federal Highway, security expert Zagazola Makama reported on his X handle.

According to Makama, the first attack occurred at about 5:35 p.m. on December 16, when unknown gunmen intercepted a green Toyota Sienna carrying nine passengers from Abuja to Delta State. Six passengers were abducted from the vehicle, while three others were rescued.

The attackers also targeted a white Toyota Hiace bus traveling from Delta State to Abuja, abducting seven of the 11 passengers aboard. “Four passengers were rescued,” Makama noted.

Tragically, a serving Non-Commissioned Officer of the Nigerian Army, who was among the passengers and had identified himself as a soldier, was shot by the assailants. “He sustained gunshot injuries to his legs and thighs and was later confirmed dead,” Makama said.

Both vehicles were recovered and taken to a police station for safekeeping, and five empty shells of 7.62mm ammunition, suspected to be from an AK-47 rifle, were collected at the scene. The soldier’s body was deposited at Okengwe General Hospital mortuary for autopsy, and statements were taken from the rescued victims to aid the investigation.

Makama added that troops have launched joint rescue operations, including bush combing and intensive surveillance along the highway, to rescue the abducted passengers and apprehend the perpetrators. Authorities have assured motorists that security measures along the Okene–Auchi corridor are being intensified to prevent further attacks.