Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, under 2 Division, participating in Operation WABAIZIGAN, have successfully 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 operation further demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and denying criminal elements freedom of action within its area of responsibility. This was contained in a statement signed by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4th Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City.
The rescue operation was conducted at about 9:30pm on 30 July 2026 after troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence on the kidnap incident. Acting swiftly and decisively, the troops immediately pursued the kidnappers along their withdrawal route, applying sustained pressure that forced the criminals to abandon 11 of the abducted victims and flee into the surrounding forest.
In a follow-up clearance operation conducted on 31 July 2026, the troops aggressively combed the forest and successfully rescued the remaining three victims, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 14. Following preliminary debriefing and medical assessment, all the rescued victims were confirmed to be in stable condition and were subsequently reunited with their families or allowed to continue their respective journeys. Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness, intelligence-driven approach, and unwavering resolve to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in close collaboration with other security agencies. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as such support remains vital to sustaining operational successes and enhancing security across the state.
Meanwhile, the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, has commended the troops for their professionalism, proactive posture, resilience, and courage displayed during the operation. He reassured the good people of Edo State and all commuters within the Brigade’s Area of Operations of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property. The Commander further affirmed that troops will continue to sustain aggressive operations aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens and ensuring a secure environment for all law-abiding citizens.
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