Nigerian Army rescues 14 kidnap victims on Lagos-Benin expressway

By Usman Aliyu

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade have rescued 14 people abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Lagos-Benin Expressway after a swift pursuit and forest clearance operation in Edo State.

The rescue operation was carried out by troops participating in Operation WABAIZIGAN following a kidnapping incident that occurred on Thursday night in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu, said soldiers on routine patrol received credible intelligence about the abduction at about 9:30 p.m. and immediately launched a pursuit of the kidnappers along their escape route.

According to him, sustained pressure from the troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 11 of the abducted victims before fleeing into the surrounding forest.

The troops subsequently carried out a follow-up clearance operation in the forest on Friday, during which the remaining three victims were rescued, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 14.

Anyanwu said all the victims underwent preliminary debriefing and medical examinations and were confirmed to be in stable condition before being reunited with their families and allowed to continue their journeys.

He added that security operatives had intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing kidnappers.

The Army spokesman noted that the successful operation reflected the Nigerian Army’s intelligence-driven strategy and operational readiness in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, in collaboration with other security agencies.

He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to enhance ongoing operations against criminal elements.

Commending the troops, the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, praised their professionalism, resilience and courage throughout the rescue mission.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Balogun reassured residents of Edo State and motorists using the Lagos-Benin Expressway of the brigade’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, pledging to sustain aggressive operations aimed at denying criminals safe havens and ensuring a secure environment for law-abiding citizens.