Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under the 2 Division as part of Operation WABAIZIGAN, have successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims following a swift and sustained two-day operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The rescue, which unfolded over the night of July 30 and the morning of July 31, 2026, saw soldiers apply relentless pressure on a criminal gang, forcing them to abandon their captives and flee into the dense forest surrounding the busy highway.
The operation was triggered at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, when troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence about a fresh kidnapping incident along the expressway, a major artery connecting Lagos to the South-South and South-East regions. According to a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the soldiers responded immediately, abandoning their patrol to pursue the kidnappers along their withdrawal route. The sustained pressure from the troops proved decisive, as the criminals were forced to abandon 11 of the abducted victims and scatter into the surrounding forest to evade capture.
Undeterred, the soldiers launched a follow-up clearance operation on Friday, July 31, aggressively combing the forest and surrounding terrain. The intensive search paid off when troops located and rescued the remaining three victims, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 14. Captain Anyanwu confirmed that all victims underwent preliminary debriefing and medical assessment and were confirmed to be in stable condition. They have since been reunited with their families or allowed to continue their respective journeys, bringing an end to what could have been a prolonged and traumatic captivity.
The rescue operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s growing reliance on intelligence-driven tactics and rapid response capabilities to combat the scourge of kidnapping that has plagued major highways in the South-South region. The Lagos–Benin Expressway, in particular, has become a hotspot for criminal gangs who exploit the dense vegetation and remote stretches of the road to ambush travellers and demand hefty ransoms. The successful rescue of all 14 victims without any ransom payment represents a significant victory in the military's ongoing campaign to deny criminal elements freedom of action within its area of responsibility.
The Commander of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism, proactive posture, resilience, and courage during the operation. In a statement, he reassured the people of Edo State and all commuters within the Brigade’s area of operations of the military's unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property. Balogun further affirmed that 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 rescue operation comes amid heightened security concerns in Edo State, where kidnapping for ransom and armed banditry have become increasingly brazen. The Lagos–Benin Expressway, a critical economic corridor, has witnessed several high-profile abductions in recent months, forcing the military and other security agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence-gathering efforts. The 4 Brigade, as part of Operation WABAIZIGAN, has been at the forefront of these efforts, conducting clearance operations, ambushes, and patrols to disrupt criminal networks and restore confidence among commuters.
Captain Anyanwu noted that the successful operation demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness and intelligence-driven approach to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in collaboration with other security agencies. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, describing public support as critical to sustaining operational successes and improving security across Edo State. The military has also launched a manhunt for the fleeing kidnappers, with efforts ongoing to track down and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The rescue of the 14 victims is a testament to the bravery and dedication of the troops who risked their lives to secure the freedom of fellow Nigerians. It also serves as a stark warning to criminal elements that the long arm of the law, backed by the firepower and determination of the Nigerian Army, will eventually catch up with them. For the families of the rescued victims, the operation brought an end to days of agonising uncertainty. For the broader public, it is a reassuring sign that security forces are not only listening but acting decisively to protect the nation's citizens and keep its highways safe.
As the manhunt for the fleeing kidnappers continues, the military has reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens. The people of Edo State and all road users can expect to see an increased security presence along the Lagos–Benin corridor in the coming days and weeks, as the military works to consolidate its gains and prevent future attacks. The rescue of the 14 kidnap victims stands as a powerful reminder that, even in the face of growing insecurity, the Nigerian Army remains a formidable force for good, capable of delivering justice and protecting the innocent.
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