Troops Foil Kidnap Operation, Rescue 14 Victims Along Lagos–Benin Expressway
Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division as part of Operation WABAIZIGAN, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims following a swift response to a kidnap incident along the Lagos–Benin Expressway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The successful operation, carried out on July 30 and 31, 2026, highlights the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting lives and combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across its area of responsibility.
According to the Army, the operation began at about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, when troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence about a kidnap incident along the busy highway. The troops immediately launched a pursuit of the kidnappers along their escape route, mounting sustained pressure that forced the criminals to abandon 11 of their captives before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
Determined to rescue the remaining victims, the troops conducted a follow-up clearance operation on Friday, July 31, during which they combed the forest and successfully rescued three additional victims, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 14.
Following preliminary debriefing and medical evaluation, all the rescued victims were confirmed to be in stable condition. They were subsequently reunited with their families or allowed to continue their journeys.
Security forces have since intensified efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
The Nigerian Army stated that the successful rescue reflects its operational readiness, intelligence-driven approach, and continued collaboration with other security agencies in tackling kidnapping and related crimes. It also urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism, courage, resilience, and proactive conduct throughout the operation.
He reassured residents of Edo State and commuters using the Lagos–Benin Expressway of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that troops would sustain aggressive operations to deny criminal elements safe havens and ensure a secure environment for law-abiding citizens.
