Troops Rescue Kidnapped Farmer, Neutralise Suspect in Edo
By Njideka Agbo
Troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued a 50 year old farmer, Lucky Egbiki, who was kidnapped at his farm in Okehussan, Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The operation, carried out on August 6, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the abduction of Egbiki and efforts by his captors to collect ransom.
According to the Nigerian Army, the security forces used ransom negotiations to lure the kidnappers to a predetermined location at Onogholo in Esan South East Local Government Area.
When one of the kidnappers arrived at the location to collect the ransom, troops engaged the group.
One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised during the encounter, while other members of the gang reportedly fled into the surrounding forest, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
The troops subsequently rescued Egbiki unhurt and recovered N1.5 million reportedly intended as ransom payment.
The rescued farmer was handed over to his family after preliminary debriefing and medical assessment, with authorities confirming that he was in stable condition.
In a follow up clearance operation conducted on August 7 and 8, troops combed the surrounding forest in an attempt to track the fleeing suspects, but no further contact was made with the group.
The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and swift response during the operation.
Balogun said the Brigade would sustain intelligence led operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within its area of responsibility.
He assured residents that troops would continue to deny criminals safe havens while protecting lives and property and creating a safer environment for farming and other legitimate economic activities.
The Army also urged residents of Edo State to continue providing security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.
