Gunmen disguised in military uniforms have killed a soldier and abducted 13 passengers during coordinated attacks on two commercial vehicles along the Okene–Auchi highway.

According to counter-terrorism publication Zagazola Makama, the incident occurred around 5:35 p.m. on Tuesday when attackers intercepted a green Toyota Sienna carrying nine passengers from Abuja to Delta State. Six passengers were abducted, while three others were rescued.

The assailants also stopped a white Toyota Hiace bus traveling from Delta to Abuja. Seven passengers were abducted from this vehicle, and four were rescued, Makama reported.

A serving non-commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army, who identified himself as a soldier among the passengers, was shot in the legs and thighs during the attack and later confirmed dead.

Both vehicles were recovered and towed to a police station for safekeeping. Authorities also retrieved five empty 7.62mm shells, likely from an AK-47 rifle, at the scene. The deceased soldier’s body was deposited at Okengwe General Hospital mortuary for autopsy, and statements were obtained from rescued passengers to aid the investigation.

Troops have launched joint rescue operations, including bush combing and intensive surveillance along the highway, in an effort to free 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.

Moses Yamu, the public relations officer of the Edo State police command, did not respond to calls or messages at the time of reporting.