Operation WABAIZIGAN has recorded another operational success with the rescue of 14 kidnap victims during coordinated military operations along the Lagos–Benin Expressway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to an official statement signed by Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, the rescue was carried out by troops of the 4 Brigade under 2 Division following a swift response to a reported kidnap incident on the busy highway.
The statement said troops on routine patrol received credible intelligence at about 9:30 p.m. on 30 July 2026 and immediately launched a pursuit of the kidnappers along their withdrawal route. The sustained pressure mounted by the soldiers forced the criminals to abandon 11 of their captives before escaping into the surrounding forest.
Determined to ensure the safe recovery of all the victims, the troops conducted a follow-up clearance operation on 31 July 2026, combing the forest and successfully rescuing the remaining three abductees. The operation brought the total number of rescued victims to 14.
The rescued victims underwent preliminary debriefing and medical assessment and were confirmed to be in stable condition before being reunited with their families or allowed to continue their journeys. The Army said efforts are continuing to track down and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers.
The military described the operation as further evidence of its intelligence-driven approach, operational readiness and commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in collaboration with other security agencies. It also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.
Meanwhile, the Commander of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and courage during the operation. He reassured residents of Edo State and commuters within the Brigade’s area of operations that the Army remains committed to protecting lives and property and will sustain aggressive operations to deny criminal elements safe havens.
