Troops Neutralise Notorious Kidnapper, Rescue Four Victims in Edo Forest Operation
Troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, have neutralised a notorious kidnapper, rescued four abducted victims, and arrested a suspected kidnapper during separate security operations in Edo State.
The successful operations were carried out on March 3, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and restore security across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Spokesperson of the 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the first operation took place in Warake Forest in Auchi Local Government Area during a night patrol conducted under Operation IGBO DANU 1.
Troops working alongside personnel from the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and local vigilantes reportedly responded swiftly to gunshots heard deep within the forest.
During the operation, the troops engaged the kidnappers in a confrontation while maintaining controlled and minimal use of firearms. In the process, a notorious kidnapper who had been terrorising residents of Auchi and surrounding communities was neutralised.
The statement noted that the troops’ superior firepower forced other members of the criminal gang to abandon their captives and flee into the bush.
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Four victims — Stella Abbas, 29; Tina Ododa, 19; Razak Rashid, 27; and Mutanibi Kalifa, 16 — were successfully rescued unharmed and later reunited with their families.
Security operatives also recovered several items from the neutralised suspect, including cash amounting to ₦650,000, mobile phones, a power bank, and footwear.
In a separate operation conducted the same day, troops in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps raided a building in Ujemen community in Esan West Local Government Area believed to be a hideout for kidnappers.
During the raid, a 39-year-old suspect identified as Omogbegha Solomon was arrested.
Troops also discovered a shrine containing charms and photographs of several individuals inside an abandoned room within the compound. The shrine was immediately destroyed at the scene.
The suspect has since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ekpoma Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and bravery.
He urged them to sustain the ongoing offensive against criminal elements across the state in line with the operational directives of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife.
Brigadier General Balogun also reassured residents of Edo State of the Brigade’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property while intensifying efforts to rid the state of kidnappers and other criminal elements.
By PRNigeria
