Joint security forces rescue kidnapped victim in Edo, recover ransom

Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued a kidnapped victim identified as Lucky Egbiki during a coordinated operation in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The 50-year-old Egbiki was kidnapped at his farm in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

A statement on Sunday by the Brigade’s Assistant Director Army Public Relations, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, said rescue operation was conducted “at about 1800 hours on 6 August 2026 by troops, in conjunction with personnel of the Nigeria Police.

“The security forces exploited ransom negotiations to lure the kidnappers to a predetermined location at Onogholo, within Esan South East Local Government Area, where they engaged the criminal elements.”

He said during the encounter, one of the kidnappers who arrived at the location to collect the ransom was neutralized by the troops, forcing the other members of the gang to abandon the victim and flee into the surrounding forest, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.

He added that the troops subsequently rescued the victim unhurt and recovered the sum of N1.5 million intended as ransom payment.

“The rescued victim was handed over to his family after preliminary debriefing and medical assessment, and was confirmed to be in stable condition.”

Anyanwu said the successful operation further demonstrated the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness, intelligence-driven approach and unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping and other forms of violent crime in Edo State.

Continuing, he said, “It also underscores the importance of inter-agency collaboration in enhancing the effectiveness of security operations.

“The people of Edo State are therefore encouraged to continue providing timely, credible and actionable information to security agencies, as such support remains vital to sustaining operational successes and enhancing security across the state.”

The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their proactiveness, courage and professionalism displayed during the operation and reassured the people of Edo State that the Brigade would continue to apply sustained pressure on kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility.

“The Commander further affirmed that troops would sustain aggressive and intelligence-led operations aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens, protecting lives and property, and creating a secure environment for farming and other legitimate economic activities across Edo State.”

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖