Troops rescue 14 kidnap victims in Edo, intensify manhunt for abductors
Troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division and participating in Operation WABAIZIGAN, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims following a swift response to a kidnap incident along the Lagos–Benin Expressway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Nigerian Army said the rescue operation commenced at about 9:30 p.m. on 30th July, 2026, after troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence about the abduction.
Acting on the information, the troops immediately pursued the kidnappers along their withdrawal route, mounting sustained pressure that forced the criminals to abandon 11 of the victims before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
In a follow-up clearance operation conducted on 31st July, 2026, the troops combed the forest and successfully rescued the remaining three victims, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 14.
Following preliminary debriefing and medical assessment, all the rescued victims were confirmed to be in stable condition. They were subsequently reunited with their families or allowed to continue their respective journeys.
The Army said efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
The operation, according to the military, highlights the Nigerian Army's intelligence-driven approach and continued commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in collaboration with other security agencies.
The Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and courage during the operation.
He reassured residents of Edo State and commuters along the Brigade's area of responsibility of the Army's commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that troops will sustain aggressive operations to deny criminal elements safe havens and maintain a secure environment.
The Nigerian Army also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.
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