Army officer killed, 13 passengers abducted along Okene–Auchi Road

A deadly ambush by gunmen dressed in military fatigues has claimed the life of a Nigerian Army officer and left thirteen travelers in captivity following a double interception on the Okene–Auchi highway.

The coordinated assault took place on Tuesday evening at approximately 5:35 pm. According to Zagazola Makama, a publication specializing in counter-terrorism, the attackers first targeted a green Toyota Sienna traveling from Abuja to Delta State with nine people on board.

The scale of the abduction was significant, as the publication reported that: “six passengers were abducted from the vehicle, while three others were rescued.”

Simultaneously, the gunmen expanded their perimeter to intercept a second vehicle—a white Toyota Hiace bus carrying 11 passengers on a return trip from Delta to Abuja. Reporting on the second bus, Zaragoza Makama stated: “Seven passengers were abducted from the Hiace bus while four were rescued.”

The incident turned fatal when the gunmen discovered a non-commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army among the travelers. Upon the officer identifying himself, the assailants opened fire.

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“He sustained gunshot injuries to his legs and thighs and was later confirmed dead,” Makama reported.

Following the attack, security forces recovered both abandoned vehicles and transported them to a nearby police station. Investigators at the scene discovered five empty shells of 7.62mm ammunition, typical of an AK-47 rifle, which have been processed as evidence.

The fallen soldier’s remains have been moved to the Okengwe General Hospital mortuary for an autopsy. Meanwhile, survivors who were rescued at the scene have provided statements to law enforcement to assist in the manhunt.

In response to the tragedy, a massive security effort has been mobilized. Troops have initiated joint rescue operations, including bush combing and intensive surveillance along the highway, to track the kidnappers and secure the release of the thirteen remaining victims.

As the search continues, the publication said authorities assured motorists that measures were being intensified to secure the Okene–Auchi corridor and prevent further attacks.

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