Two Women Abducted in Edo Rescued by Joint Security Forces After Intense Pursuit and Broader Anti‑Kidnap Operations

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.

In a dramatic breakthrough in the ongoing struggle against kidnapping in southern Nigeria, security forces working together have successfully rescued two women abducted in Edo State. The operation, executed by troops from the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade in Benin City alongside personnel from the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, culminated in the safe return of the victims and has brought renewed attention to anti‑kidnapping efforts in the region.

The crisis began on March 27, 2026, when troops received an urgent report that two young women had been kidnapped in Auchi, a key town in the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. The victims were identified as 17‑year‑old Odio Momoh and 23‑year‑old Sonia Momoh. They were reportedly abducted from an area behind the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME) during the evening, triggering immediate mobilisation of the security response.

Military officials said that once the distress call was received, troops acted swiftly, coordinating across multiple agencies to pursue the kidnappers into the bush and along escape routes that criminals often use to evade capture. With the support of local vigilante groups familiar with the terrain, the operation pressed deeper into forested areas surrounding Auchi. Residents in the community described a tense atmosphere as news of the pursuit spread, with many hoping for a peaceful outcome.

By the evening of March 28, the kidnappers, sensing that they were nearly surrounded by advancing troops and allied security personnel, abandoned the two women and fled into dense vegetation. The rescue occurred around 8:30 p.m., according to security sources, and the victims were quickly brought to safety and reunited with their families. There were no reported fatalities in the rescue itself and both women were found alive, providing a moment of relief for relatives and the broader community.

The successful rescue highlights both the dangers posed by kidnappers in parts of Edo State and the capacity of joint security efforts to respond effectively when credible intelligence and operational coordination are present. Kidnapping has been a persistent concern in Edo State in recent years, with criminal gangs targeting travellers on major highways, isolated communities, and occasionally institutions. Law enforcement responses have sometimes resulted in arrests, including a large joint operation earlier in 2026 that saw more than a hundred suspected kidnappers taken into custody.

These recurring incidents have reinforced local calls for stronger security presence and proactive measures to dismantle criminal networks. Officials say that kidnappers often exploit remote and forested terrain to hide and move undetected, making coordinated operations and community intelligence crucial to efforts to protect citizens. Security analysts also point to underlying socioeconomic conditions, including unemployment and marginalisation, as factors that contribute to the recruitment of youths into criminal gangs.

The Auchi rescue also took place against the backdrop of broader crackdowns on kidnapping rings across Edo State. In previous months, combined operations by military, police, civil defence and other security outfits targeted high‑risk areas identified through intelligence, leading to numerous arrests and the seizure of weapons. Community vigilance groups, which have stepped up patrols and intelligence sharing in rural areas, played a key role in supporting these operations, providing tips and guidance that helped security agents pursue suspects effectively.

Even with growing security pressure, authorities emphasise that efforts to apprehend the specific suspects who fled during the Auchi incident are ongoing. Military and police officers said that continued tracking and intelligence‑gathering operations are underway to locate the fleeing kidnappers, identify their networks, and hold them accountable. These efforts reflect a broader strategy aimed at dismantling organised criminal infrastructure rather than merely disrupting isolated abduction cases.

Community reactions to the rescue have been a blend of gratitude and cautious concern. Families of the rescued women expressed deep relief and appreciation for the swift actions of security forces. Local leaders, while welcoming the successful operation, urged sustained and visible security presence to reassure residents and prevent future kidnappings. Many community members, particularly in rural areas, continue to worry about the possibility of additional incidents in places where patrols are less frequent and access is more difficult for security teams.

Civil society organisations have also weighed in, noting that while individual rescue missions are vital, long‑term solutions require addressing the root causes of insecurity. They have called for expanded community policing initiatives, improved coordination among security agencies, and social investment in education, jobs and economic opportunities to reduce the allure of criminal activity for vulnerable youths. Engagement with neighbouring states and coordinated regional strategies are seen as essential, given the fluid movement of kidnappers across administrative boundaries.

The successful rescue of Odio and Sonia Momoh stands as both a moment of hope and a reminder of the persistent security challenges facing many Nigerians. It illustrates how effective collaboration between military, police, civil defence and community actors can yield positive outcomes, even in difficult terrain and under pressure. Yet it also highlights how much work remains to safeguard citizens comprehensively, prevent future crimes, and ensure that families can go about their lives without fear of abduction.

For residents of Auchi and surrounding areas, the rescue brings temporary reassurance. For security forces, it underscores the importance of timely information, unity of effort, and local cooperation. And for policymakers, it serves as a reminder that while tactical successes are significant, sustainable peace and security require a strategic focus on both enforcement and social stability.

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