Troops of 4 Brigade neutralise 3 kidnappers, rescue abducted victim in Akoko-Edo

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Troops of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under 2 Division, in collaboration with personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force, local hunters and forest guards, have neutralised three suspected notorious kidnappers and rescued an abducted victim during an intelligence-driven operation at Sasaro Forest in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army

Benin City, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, in statement, said the operation, conducted by 195 Battalion (Rear) on 11 October 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers operating within the area.

“During the operation, the troops made contact with the notorious kidnappers, who immediately opened fire on sighting the advancing security team. However, the troops responded decisively to counter the attack. The ensuing firefight resulted in the neutralisation of three suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of the abducted victim, identified as 44-year-old Mr Prince Michael Akao.

“Items recovered during the operation included three locally fabricated firearms and nine live cartridges. Other items recovered were foodstuffs, two torchlights, two cutlasses, five mobile phones, two power banks, two cooking pots, three food plates, a bottle of oil, two pairs of shoes, three pairs of bathroom slippers, a head warmer, three packs of cigarettes, illicit drugs, charms, a bucket and clothing materials.

The statement the rescued victim is currently receiving medical attention at a hospital and has been confirmed to be in stable condition, adding that the recovered items have been handed over to the DSS Command in Igarra, while the remains of the neutralised suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Igarra Division, for further necessary action.

“The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness, commitment to intelligence-led operations and determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State. It also highlights the importance of effective inter-agency collaboration in strengthening security operations and achieving sustainable results in the fight against criminality.

“The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their vigilance, courage, professionalism and prompt response during the encounter with the notorious kidnappers. He also appreciated the collaboration between security agencies, which contributed to the success of the operation.

“The Commander reassured the people of Edo State of the Brigade’s unwavering commitment to sustaining pressure on kidnappers and other criminal elements operating within its Area of Responsibility. He further emphasised that troops would continue to conduct aggressive, intelligence-driven operations to deny criminals safe havens, protect lives and property, and create a secure environment for farming, commerce and other legitimate economic activities across the state.

“The Commander therefore calls on members of the public to continue providing timely, credible and actionable intelligence to security agencies. He stated that such cooperation remains essential to strengthening ongoing operations, preventing criminal activities and consolidating security gains across Edo State”, the said.