Gunmen kill soldier, abduct 4 Chinese nationals in Kogi

Tragedy struck in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State as armed men launched an attack that left one Nigerian soldier dead and four Chinese expatriates abducted.

The incident occurred on September 19, 2025, along the Saminaka–Ejiba axis, when the assailants ambushed a convoy belonging to Vau & Co. Mining Company. The convoy was transporting Chinese engineers to a mining site when it came under heavy fire.

According to sources who spoke with security analyst Zagazola Makama, the gunmen killed the soldier escorting the team and whisked away the expatriates to an undisclosed location.

“In the attack, one soldier, a Private from 12 Brigade, Lokoja, was shot dead, while Inspector Jubril Mohammed of 45 PMF, Force Headquarters Abuja, sustained gunshot injury on his left arm.

“Four Chinese nationals identified as Mr. Zhou Dansu, Mr. Zhou Hai, Mr. Zhou Jiajun and Mr. Fan Xiuguo were abducted by the gunmen.

“The injured police inspector is receiving treatment at ECWA Hospital, Egbe, while his service rifle remains intact,” the source said.

It was further gathered that security agencies, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, have launched a joint operation to secure the release of the victims and track down the assailants.