Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, under 2 Division, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, have neutralised a suspected notorious kidnapper, rescued four abducted victims, and arrested another suspect during separate operations in Edo State.
The operations took place under Operation IGBO DANU 1 in Warake Forest, Auchi Local Government Area, and Ujemen in Esan West Local Government Area.
This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu.
According to the statement, troops conducted a night operation on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Warake Forest after reports of gunshots.
“The troops responded to gunshots heard in the forest during a night patrol with aggressive pursuit and minimum use of firearms.
“The gallant troops neutralised a notorious kidnapper that has been terrorising Auchi and environs during the encounter. The superior firepower of troops forced the remaining criminals to abandon their victims and flee into the bush,” the statement read.
Four kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families:
– Stella Abbas (29)
– Tina Ododa (19)
– Razak Rashid (27)
– Mutanibi Kalifa (16)
Items recovered from the neutralised kidnapper included N650,000 cash, footwear, a power bank, and mobile phones.
In a separate operation the same day in Ujemen, Esan West LGA, troops raided a suspected kidnapper’s hideout and arrested 39-year-old Omogbegha Solomon.
During the raid, troops discovered a shrine containing charms and photographs of various individuals in an abandoned room. The shrine was destroyed on site.
The suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Ekpoma Division for further investigation.
The Commander of 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their efforts and urged them to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements in line with directives from the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife.
Balogun reassured residents of the brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Edo State.
