Troops rescue 14 kidnap victims in Edo

Fourteen individuals have been rescued from kidnappers by troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division. The successful operation took place along the Lagos-Benin Expressway in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The rescue mission, part of Operation Whirl Stroke, was initiated after troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence on July 30 around 9:30 p.m. regarding a kidnapping incident. The troops swiftly pursued the kidnappers along their escape route.

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The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness, intelligence-driven approach and resolve to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in collaboration with other security agencies.

This pursuit compelled the abductors to abandon 11 of the victims before fleeing into a nearby forest. In a follow-up clearance operation conducted on July 31, troops combed the forest and successfully rescued the remaining three victims, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to 14.

All rescued victims underwent medical assessments and were confirmed to be in stable condition. They have since been reunited with their families or allowed to continue their journeys. The army stated that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing kidnappers. The 4 Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, reaffirming the brigade's commitment to protecting lives and property.

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We will sustain operations aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens and ensuring a secure environment for law-abiding citizens.