Army Kills Kidnapper, Rescue Abducted Farmer in Edo

Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued a 50-year-old farmer, Mr Lucky Egbiki, who was abducted at his farm in Okehussan, Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The rescue was carried out at about 6pm on August 6, 2026, following credible intelligence on the farmer’s abduction.

According to the Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Benin City Kennedy Anyanwu’s post on the Nigerian Army’s X handle on Saturday, the Nigerian Army, the security forces used ransom negotiations to lure the kidnappers to a predetermined location at Onogholo in Esan South East Local Government Area, where the troops and police engaged the criminal gang.

“One of the kidnappers who arrived at the location to collect the ransom was neutralised by the troops, forcing the other members of the gang to abandon the victim and flee into the surrounding forest,” the Anyanwu said.

It added that some members of the gang were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter.

The troops subsequently rescued Egbiki unhurt and recovered the N1.5 million ransom that had been intended for the kidnappers.

The Army said the victim was handed over to his family after preliminary debriefing and medical assessment and was confirmed to be in stable condition.

In a follow-up clearance operation conducted on August 7 and 8, troops reportedly combed the surrounding forest in an attempt to track the fleeing kidnappers, but made no further contact with the criminal elements.

The Army said the operation demonstrated its “operational readiness” and “intelligence-driven approach” in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State.

It also stressed the importance of collaboration among security agencies and called on residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces.

“The people of Edo State are therefore encouraged to continue providing timely, credible and actionable information to security agencies, as such support remains vital to sustaining operational successes and enhancing security across the state,” the Army said.

The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for what he described as their “proactiveness, courage and professionalism” during the operation.

Balogun reassured residents that the brigade would continue to apply sustained pressure on kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility.

He further said the troops would sustain “aggressive and intelligence-led operations” aimed at denying criminals safe havens, protecting lives and property, and creating a secure environment for farming and other legitimate economic activities across Edo State.