Soldiers Kill Kidnapper, Rescue Abducted Farmer in Edo

Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued an abducted farmer and killed one of the kidnappers during a coordinated operation in Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The operation followed credible intelligence on the abduction of 50-year-old Lucky Egbiki, who was kidnapped at his farm in Okehussan, Ubiaja.

According to the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Kennedy Anyanwu, the rescue operation was carried out at about 6pm on August 6.

Security operatives reportedly used ransom negotiations to lure the kidnappers to a predetermined location in Onogholo, where they confronted the gang.

During the encounter, one of the kidnappers who arrived to collect the ransom was shot dead by the troops. The other members of the gang reportedly abandoned the victim and fled into the surrounding forest, with some believed to have sustained gunshot injuries.

The troops rescued Egbiki unharmed and recovered the ₦1.5 million ransom that had been intended for the kidnappers.

The victim was later handed over to his family after undergoing preliminary debriefing and medical assessment. He was said to be in stable condition.

The Army subsequently conducted clearance operations in the surrounding forest on August 7 and 8 in an attempt to track the fleeing suspects, but no further contact was made with the kidnappers.

The Army said the operation demonstrated its readiness to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other security agencies.

Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and swift response.

He assured residents of Edo State that the Brigade would continue sustained operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups while working to protect lives, property and legitimate economic activities, particularly farming.

The Army also urged residents to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information to support efforts to combat criminal activities across the state.

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