Troops free 14 abductees in Edo state operation

Troops from the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division, have achieved a significant success in Operation WABAIZIGAN, rescuing 14 kidnapped individuals in Edo State.

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The rescue effort was made possible by a prompt response to a kidnapping incident that occurred along the Lagos–Benin Expressway in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, as disclosed by Lt. Col. Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City, in a statement released on Friday.

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This operation highlights the Nigerian Army's unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and preventing criminal elements from operating freely within its jurisdiction, further demonstrating its commitment to protecting citizens.

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A statement from the Army revealed that the rescue operation took place at approximately 9:30 p.m. on 30 July 2026, following the receipt of credible intelligence on the kidnapping incident by troops conducting a routine patrol.

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Troops swiftly pursued the kidnappers, applying pressure that forced them to abandon 11 of the abducted victims and flee into the surrounding forest, as stated in the Army's statement.

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A follow-up clearance operation was conducted on 31 July 2026, during which the troops combed the forest and successfully rescued the remaining three victims, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 14.

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According to Lt. Col. Anyanwu, after preliminary debriefing and medical assessment, all 14 rescued victims were found to be in stable condition and were subsequently reunited with their families or allowed to continue their journeys.

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Efforts are currently underway to track down and apprehend the kidnappers who fled, with the Army working to bring them to justice.

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The successful operation showcases the Nigerian Army's operational readiness, intelligence-driven approach, and unwavering resolve to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in collaboration with other security agencies.

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Lt. Col. Anyanwu emphasized the importance of the public providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as this support is crucial to sustaining operational successes and enhancing security across the state.

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Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their professionalism, proactive posture, resilience, and courage displayed during the operation.

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He reassured the people of Edo State and all commuters within the Brigade's area of operations of the Brigade's unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, and affirmed that troops would continue to conduct aggressive operations to deny criminal elements safe havens.