The Army disclosed that the operation followed a kidnap incident that occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, troops on routine patrol acted swiftly after receiving credible intelligence on the attack and immediately launched a pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers.
According to the statement, the sustained pressure mounted by the soldiers forced the suspects to abandon 11 of the abducted victims before escaping into a nearby forest.
The Army said troops returned to the area on Friday, July 31, for a clearance operation, during which the remaining three victims were successfully rescued, bringing the total number of rescued persons to 14.
It added that all the rescued victims received preliminary medical attention and were debriefed before being reunited with their families or allowed to continue their journeys after they were confirmed to be in stable condition.
The military said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing kidnappers, noting that the successful rescue reflects the Army’s operational readiness and intelligence-driven strategy in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in collaboration with other security agencies.
The Army also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing efforts to improve security across Edo State.
Meanwhile, the Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, praised the troops for their professionalism, courage and resilience during the operation.
“The Commander of 4 Brigade, Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and courage during the operation.
He reassured residents of Edo State and commuters within the Brigade’s area of responsibility of the Army’s commitment to protecting lives and property.”
Balogun added that troops would sustain ongoing operations aimed at denying criminal elements safe havens within the state.
