Troops of the 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Igbonla, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, rescuing two victims and neutralising one of the abductors.
The operation followed credible intelligence on the abduction of Mr Kelvin Okafor and Mr Alex Anato, who were kidnapped while working on a farm in the area on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Acting on the intelligence, the joint security team swiftly mobilised to the area and closed in on the kidnappers’ location.
The criminals reportedly abandoned the two captives and fled into the surrounding forest after sighting the advancing troops and other security personnel.
The security team pursued the fleeing kidnappers, resulting in the neutralisation of one of them, while two others escaped deeper into the forest.
The two victims were rescued unhurt and handed over to the Police for medical assessment, debriefing and further action.
The remains of the neutralised kidnapper were also handed over to the Police for appropriate action.
The Nigerian Army said it remains committed to protecting lives and property, adding that troops would continue to conduct aggressive, intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to deny criminal elements freedom of action and enhance security across the country.
