Army, ESSC neutralize notorious kidnapper, rescue 4 victims in Edo
Nigerian Army Operatives Neutralize Suspected Kidnapper and Rescue Victims
Benin City, Edo State — Operatives from the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have killed a suspected notorious kidnapper in a recent operation in Auchi and surrounding areas. The operation, termed IGBO DANU 1, also resulted in the rescue of four kidnapped victims, all unharmed.
Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 4 Brigade, confirmed the developments in a statement released to media on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. He noted that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC).
The suspect was reported neutralized within Warrake Forest located in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State. According to Anyanwu, the operation on March 3 involved personnel from the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and local vigilantes.
During a night patrol, troops responded to gunfire detected in the forest, prompting an aggressive pursuit while minimizing the use of firearms. “The gallant troops neutralized a notorious kidnapper who had been terrorizing Auchi and the surrounding areas,” Anyanwu said.
The engagement led to the remaining criminals abandoning their victims and fleeing into the nearby bush.
The rescued individuals have been identified as Stella Abbas, 29; Tina Ododa, 27; Razak Rashid, 19; and Mutanibi Kalifa, 16. All four were reported to have been reunited with their families.
Items recovered from the neutralized suspect included 650,000 Naira in cash, footwear, a power bank, and mobile phones.
