TROOPS RESCUE 14 KIDNAP VICTIMS AFTER FOREST CHASE IN EDO
Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation WABAIZIGAN have rescued 14 kidnapped victims following a swift operation along the Lagos to Benin Expressway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The rescue mission was carried out by troops of the 4 Brigade under the 2 Division after they received credible intelligence about a kidnap incident at about 9:30 p.m. on 30 July 2026 while conducting a routine patrol.
According to the Nigerian Army, the troops immediately pursued the kidnappers along their escape route, mounting sustained pressure that forced the criminals to abandon 11 of the abducted victims before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
A follow up clearance operation conducted on 31 July led to the rescue of the remaining three victims, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 14.
Military authorities said all the victims underwent preliminary medical assessment and debriefing before being confirmed to be in stable condition. They were subsequently reunited with their families or allowed to continue their journeys.
Troops have continued to comb the forest in an effort to track down and arrest the fleeing kidnappers.
The Nigerian Army said the operation demonstrates its intelligence driven approach to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in collaboration with other security agencies. It also urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing security operations.
Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage, and resilience during the operation. He reassured residents of Edo State and commuters using the Lagos to Benin Expressway of the Brigade's commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining offensive operations against criminal elements.
