Nigerian Army Rescues 14 Kidnapped Victims in Edo State

On July 30, 2026, troops from the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims in Edo State during Operation WABAIZIGAN. The operation was initiated following credible intelligence regarding a kidnapping incident along the Lagos–Benin Expressway in Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

Lt. Col. Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, reported that the troops acted decisively at approximately 9:30 p.m., pursuing the kidnappers and applying sustained pressure, which led to the abandonment of 11 victims. A follow-up clearance operation on July 31 resulted in the rescue of the remaining three victims.

All rescued individuals were confirmed to be in stable condition after preliminary debriefing and medical assessment and were reunited with their families. Ongoing efforts aim to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers, highlighting the Nigerian Army's operational readiness and commitment to combatting violent crimes in collaboration with other security agencies.