Army Rescues 14 Kidnap Victims Along Lagos-Benin Expressway

Troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have rescued 14 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Lagos-Benin Expressway during a coordinated rescue operation in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The rescue followed a swift response by troops conducting routine patrols under Operation WABAIZIGAN after receiving credible intelligence on a kidnapping incident that occurred on Thursday night.

In a statement, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu, said the troops immediately pursued the kidnappers along their escape route, forcing the criminals to abandon 11 victims before fleeing into a nearby forest.

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According to him, the troops sustained the operation by launching a follow-up clearance mission into the forest on Friday, leading to the successful rescue of the remaining three abducted victims.

“The sustained pressure mounted by the troops forced the kidnappers to abandon 11 abducted victims before fleeing into the surrounding forest. Troops subsequently launched a follow-up clearance operation, leading to the rescue of the remaining three victims,” Anyanwu said.

He disclosed that all 14 rescued victims underwent medical assessment and preliminary debriefing before being reunited with their families to continue their journeys.

The Army spokesperson added that security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing kidnappers and ensure they are brought to justice.

He noted that the successful rescue operation reflects the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness and intelligence-driven approach to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in collaboration with other security agencies.

Commending the troops, the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, praised their professionalism, courage and resilience throughout the operation.

Balogun also reassured residents of Edo State and travellers along the Lagos-Benin Expressway of the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that sustained operations would continue to deny criminal elements safe havens in the state.