TROOPS OF OPERATION KO SALO NEUTRALISE KIDNAPPER, RESCUE ABDUCTED FARMER IN EDO
Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, under 2 Division, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued a kidnapped farmer during a coordinated operation in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The operation followed credible intelligence on the abduction of 50 year old Mr Lucky Egbiki, who was kidnapped at his farm in Okehussan, Ubiaja.
At about 1800 hours on 6 August 2026, troops, working with personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, used ransom negotiations to lure the kidnappers to a predetermined location at Onogholo in Esan South East Local Government Area.
During the encounter, one of the kidnappers who arrived to collect the ransom was neutralised by the troops. The other members of the gang subsequently abandoned the victim and fled into the surrounding forest, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot wounds.
The troops rescued Egbiki unharmed and recovered the ₦1.5 million intended as ransom payment. Following preliminary debriefing and medical assessment, the victim was confirmed to be in stable condition and handed over to his family.
Troops conducted follow up clearance operations across the surrounding forest on 7 and 8 August 2026 in an effort to locate the fleeing kidnappers. No further contact was made with the criminal group during the operation.
The operation demonstrates the role of intelligence gathering and cooperation between security agencies in responding to kidnapping incidents. It also resulted in the recovery of the ransom money and the rescue of the victim without injury.
The Nigerian Army urged residents of Edo State to provide timely and credible information to security agencies concerning the activities and movements of criminal groups.
Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their courage and professionalism during the operation. He assured residents that the Brigade would continue operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups within its area of responsibility.
