Army Kills Kidnapper, Rescues Abducted Farmer in Edo

Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, working with the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued a 50-year-old farmer, Lucky Egbiki, who was abducted from his farm in Okehussan, Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The rescue operation was conducted on August 6 following credible intelligence on the farmer's abduction. Security personnel reportedly used ransom negotiations to lure the kidnappers to a predetermined location at Onogholo, where they engaged the gang.

The Army said one of the kidnappers was killed during the encounter, while other members of the gang fled into the surrounding forest. Some of the fleeing suspects were believed to have sustained injuries during the operation.

The troops recovered the ₦1.5m ransom intended for the kidnappers, rescued Egbiki unharmed, later handed him over to his family after preliminary debriefing, medical assessment.

A follow-up operation conducted between August 7, 8 saw troops search the surrounding forest for the fleeing suspects, although no further contact was made with the gang.

The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their response, assuring residents that the brigade would sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements in the state.

The Army also urged residents to provide timely, credible information to security agencies to support efforts to combat kidnapping, protect lives, property.