Troops Rescue 14 Kidnap Victims Along Lagos–Benin Highway in Edo
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 successful operation, carried out over two days, highlights the Nigerian Army’s intensified efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes while ensuring the safety of commuters and residents within its area of responsibility.
According to the spokesperson of the 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence at about 9:30 p.m. on July 30, 2026, that armed kidnappers had abducted travellers along the busy highway.
He said the troops responded immediately, pursuing the fleeing criminals along their escape route and mounting sustained pressure that forced the kidnappers to abandon 11 of the victims before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
Captain Anyanwu disclosed that the operation continued the following day with an intensive clearance exercise in the forest, leading to the rescue of the remaining three victims and bringing the total number of rescued persons to 14.
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He explained that after preliminary debriefing and medical examination, all the rescued victims were confirmed to be in stable condition and were either reunited with their families or allowed to continue their respective journeys.
The Army spokesman added that troops have launched a manhunt for the fleeing kidnappers, with efforts ongoing to apprehend and bring them to justice.
He noted that the operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness, intelligence-driven strategy and close collaboration with other security agencies in tackling criminal activities across Edo State.
Captain Anyanwu appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to sustaining operational successes and enhancing security.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage, resilience and proactive response during the operation.
The Brigade Commander reassured residents of Edo State and commuters along the Lagos–Benin corridor of the Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that troops would sustain aggressive operations aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens and ensuring a secure environment for law-abiding citizens.
By PRNigeria
