Troops Rescue Kidnapped 50-Year-Old Farmer In Edo, Neutralise Suspected Kidnapper

Troops Rescue Kidnapped 50-Year-Old Farmer In Edo, Neutralise Suspected Kidnapper

Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued a 50-year-old kidnapped victim, Mr Lucky Egbiki, during a coordinated operation in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Egbiki was reportedly abducted at his farm in Okehussan, Ubiaja, following which security forces launched an intelligence-driven operation to secure his release and apprehend the kidnappers.

According to a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the operation was conducted at about 6:00 p.m. on August 6, 2026, after troops and police personnel exploited ransom negotiations to lure the kidnappers to a predetermined location at Onogholo in Esan South East Local Government Area.

The security forces engaged the kidnappers when one of the suspected criminals arrived at the location to collect the ransom.

During the encounter, troops neutralised one of the kidnappers, while other members of the gang abandoned the victim and fled into the surrounding forest. Some of the fleeing criminals were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.

The troops subsequently rescued Egbiki unhurt and recovered the sum of ₦1.5 million, which was intended as ransom payment.

The rescued victim was subjected to preliminary debriefing and medical assessment before being handed over to his family. He was confirmed to be in stable condition.

In a follow-up clearance operation conducted on August 7 and 8, troops combed the surrounding forest in an effort to track down the fleeing kidnappers. However, no further contact was made with the criminal elements.

The Army said the operation demonstrated the operational readiness of the troops and the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration between security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The military urged residents of Edo State to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to sustaining operational successes and improving security across the state.

Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their proactiveness, courage and professionalism during the operation.

Balogun assured residents that the Brigade would continue to sustain pressure on kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility.

He further said troops would maintain aggressive and intelligence-led operations aimed at denying criminals safe havens, protecting lives and property, and creating a secure environment for farming and other legitimate economic activities across Edo State.