Insecurity: Troops rescue two kidnap victims in Lagos, kill suspected kidnapper

Troops of 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have rescued two kidnap victims, Mr Kelvin Okafor and Mr Alex Anato, following their abduction at a farm in Igbonla, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

According to an official operational report made to our correspondent at the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja on Saturday, the victims were reportedly abducted on Friday, 4 September 2026, and were rescued in a coordinated operation involving operatives of the Nigerian Police, local vigilantes and other security agencies.

The report explained that the rescue operation was launched following credible information on the abduction of the victims while they were working on the farm.

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According to it, “acting swiftly on the intelligence, the joint security team mobilised to the area and closed in on the kidnappers’ location.

“On sighting the advancing troops and other security personnel, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled into the surrounding forest.

“The joint team immediately pursued the fleeing criminals, resulting in the neutralisation of one of the kidnappers, while two others escaped deeper into the forest.”

It further added that the two victims were rescued unhurt and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for necessary medical assessment, debriefing and further action, while the remains of the neutralised kidnapper were also handed over to the Police for appropriate action.

It reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army remained resolute in the protection of lives and property. In collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders, troops will continue to sustain aggressive and intelligence-led operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance the safety and security of communities across the country.