Troops, other security agencies foil kidnappers’ ransom collection, neutralise suspect in Edo
Suspected Kidnapper Neutralized in Edo State Rescue Operation
Benin City—A suspected kidnapper was neutralized by operatives from the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, part of the 2 Division, in a joint operation with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. The incident occurred while the suspect was reportedly attempting to collect a ransom of 1.5 million naira from a victim in Edo State.
The operation, conducted under the code name “KO SALO,” successfully resulted in the rescue of the victim without any ransom being paid.
According to Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 4 Brigade, the victim, 50-year-old Lucky Egbiki, was abducted from his farm in Okehussan, Ubiaja, within the Esan South East Local Government Area.
Following the report of the abduction, security forces initiated a rescue operation around 6 p.m. on August 6, 2026. They strategically used ransom negotiations to lure the kidnappers to a predetermined location in Onogholo.
During the encounter, one suspect was neutralized while attempting to collect the ransom, prompting the others to flee into nearby forested areas. Some of the suspects are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
After the operation, the victim was found unharmed and was returned to his family following a preliminary debriefing and medical assessment, which confirmed that he was in stable condition.
In a subsequent clearance operation conducted on August 7 and 8, troops searched the surrounding forest in an effort to track down the fleeing suspects; however, no further contact was established.
Captain Anyanwu urged residents of Edo State to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, emphasizing that such support is crucial for maintaining operational success and enhancing statewide security.
