Soldiers of the 14 Brigade Headquarters, Goodluck Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, attached to the 145 Battalion stationed at the Isiala Ngwa South checkpoint along the Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway, have foiled an attempted hijack of two commercial buses in Abia State.

The buses, which departed from the popular Ochendo Motor Park in Aba, were conveying about 72 passengers to Umuahia, the state capital.

According to sources, one of the bus drivers, demonstrating courage and alertness, became suspicious of the unusual movements of some passengers who boarded at the park.

Sensing danger, he said he refused to stop at a known black spot along the expressway where the suspects had asked to disembark.

He drove to the Isiala Ngwa army checkpoint and alerted soldiers on duty.

Responding to the alarm, the soldiers conducted a thorough search of all passengers and discovered arms in possession of some individuals.

A source revealed that the incident began shortly after the first of the two Coaster buses, operated by a Cooperative Union, left Aba en route to Umuahia.

“Along the way, the driver noticed suspicious behavior from certain passengers who insisted on disembarking at an infamously unsafe location during the night.

“Sensing imminent danger, the driver defied the passengers’ repeated threats, including one who allegedly vowed to “blow his head off” and instead accelerated toward the Isiala Ngwa Army checkpoint.

“Upon reaching the soldiers, the driver quickly raised an alarm. A search of the passengers confirmed his fears: the suspects were carrying firearms and weapons.

“Acting swiftly, the first driver then alerted his colleague who was just minutes behind with another Cooperative coaster bus, warning him not to stop anywhere but instead to head straight to the military checkpoint.

“The second driver complied without hesitation. Upon arrival at the same military post, soldiers conducted a search and found three additional armed men suspected to be accomplices of the first group.

“In total, six criminals were arrested, all armed and believed to be part of a coordinated kidnap and robbery syndicate.

“Every commuter on both buses was rescued safely without injury, thanks to the professional training, vigilance, and bravery of the Cooperative Union drivers and the swift response of the Nigerian Army.

“This could have ended in bloodshed. These drivers are heroes. They saved us all,” one of the rescued passengers said with deep emotion.

“The management of the Cooperative Transport Union has commended the two drivers for upholding the safety standards and protocols set by the union, while also praising the Nigerian Army for their timely and decisive intervention.”

It was gathered that the arrested suspects were in military custody and investigations ongoing to determine the full scope of their operations. (The Nation)