Troops kill suspected kidnapper, rescue four in Edo

Troops of the 4 Brigade under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, have neutralised a suspected notorious kidnapper, rescued four abducted victims, and arrested another suspect in separate operations across Edo State.

The operations, conducted under Operation IGBO DANU 1, involved personnel of the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and local vigilantes, who combed identified criminal hideouts in parts of the state.

During a night patrol on March 3, 2026, at Warake Forest in Auchi Local Government Area, troops reportedly responded to gunshots heard deep within the forest and swiftly advanced on the suspected criminals.

Security operatives engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel, applying aggressive pursuit with minimal use of firearms.

In the encounter, a suspected notorious kidnapper, said to have been terrorising Auchi and its environs, was neutralised.

Sources disclosed that other members of the gang fled into the bush following the superior firepower of the troops, abandoning their captives in the process.

The four victims, Stella Abbas, 29; Tina Ododa, 19; Razak Rashid, 27; and Mutanibi Kalifa, 16, were rescued. They were said to be unhurt and were later reunited with their families.

Items reportedly recovered from the neutralised suspect include N650,000 in cash, mobile phones, footwear, and a power bank.

In a separate operation on the same day, troops, in conjunction with the Edo State Security Corps, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Ujemen, Esan West Local Government Area, where a 39-year-old suspect, Omogbegha Solomon, was arrested.

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Security operatives were said to have discovered a shrine in an abandoned room within the compound containing charms and photographs of various individuals.

It was gathered that the shrine was destroyed on the spot, while the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ekpoma Division, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Reacting to the development, the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and bravery.

He urged them to sustain the offensive against criminal elements in line with directives from the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Chinedu Nnebeife, assuring residents of the Brigade’s continued commitment to the protection of lives and property.