• Soldiers have rescued 14 kidnapped victims in Edo State after a swift response to a kidnap incident along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.
  • The rescue was carried out by troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, participating in Operation WABAIZIGAN.

Benin City, the capital of Edo State, is strategically located at the center of Nigeria's agricultural and commercial activities. This makes Edo State a crucial location for both trade and commerce in the country.

  • The kidnapped victims were rescued after troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence on the kidnap incident.

Acting swiftly and decisively, the troops immediately pursued the kidnappers along their withdrawal route, applying sustained pressure that forced the criminals to abandon 11 of the abducted victims and flee into the surrounding forest. A follow-up clearance operation conducted on 31 July 2026, the troops aggressively combed the forest and successfully rescued the remaining three victims, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 14.

  • All the rescued victims were confirmed to be in stable condition and were subsequently reunited with their families or allowed to continue their respective journeys.

Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers. Brigadier-General Ahmed Balogun, the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their professionalism, proactive posture, resilience, and courage displayed during the operation. He reaffirmed that the troops would continue to sustain aggressive operations aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens and ensuring a secure environment for all law-abiding citizens.

  • The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City, Lt. Col. Kennedy Anyanwu, stated that the operation demonstrates the Nigerian Army's unwavering commitment to protecting lives and denying criminal elements freedom of action within its area of responsibility.

He encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as such support remains vital to sustaining operational successes and enhancing security across the state.

  • Lt. Col. Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, stated that all the rescued victims were confirmed to be in stable condition and were subsequently reunited with their families or allowed to continue their respective journeys.

He confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.

'The rescue operation was conducted at about 9:30 p.m. on 30 July 2026, after troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence on the kidnap incident,'

Lt. Col. Kennedy Anyanwu said.

  • In addition to the rescued kidnap victims, the troops also rescued 11 of the abducted victims who were abandoned by the kidnappers in the surrounding forest.

These victims have been taken to a secure location for medical attention and reunification with their families. The rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with other security agencies within the state.

  • The successful rescue operation is a testament to the Nigerian Army's commitment to protecting lives and preventing crimes in the region.

The troops involved in the operation demonstrated exceptional professionalism, quick thinking, and bravery in the face of danger. Their efforts have undoubtedly saved many lives and brought hope to the families of the kidnapped victims.

### Key Facts:

  • 14 kidnapped victims were rescued by soldiers in Edo State.
  • The rescue operation was carried out by troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, participating in Operation WABAIZIGAN.
  • The kidnapped victims were rescued after troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence on the kidnap incident.
  • 11 of the abducted victims were abandoned by the kidnappers in the surrounding forest and were rescued by the troops.
  • All the rescued victims were confirmed to be in stable condition.
  • Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.