In a decisive operation, troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized a suspected kidnapper and successfully rescued four abducted victims during a nighttime raid in Warake Forest, located in the Auchi area of Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo State.
The operation, conducted under the banner of Operation IGBO DANU 1, underscores the army’s commitment to combating criminal activity and ensuring the safety of residents in the region.
Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 4 Brigade, announced the successful operation in a statement released on Thursday. The operation was a collaborative effort between troops from the 4 Brigade, operating under the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, the Edo Security Corps, and local vigilantes.
According to Captain Anyanwu, the operation was launched following reports of gunfire during a night patrol in Warake Forest on March 3rd. Responding swiftly, the troops engaged the suspected kidnappers, who were forced to abandon their captives and flee under the pressure of the army’s advance.
“Responding to the gunshots heard in the forest, our troops pursued the criminals aggressively, utilizing minimum force, and successfully neutralized a notorious kidnapper who has been terrorizing the Auchi community and its surrounding areas,” Captain Anyanwu stated.
The rescued victims have been identified as Stella Abbas, 29; Tina Ododa, 19; Razak Rashid, 27; and Mutanibi Kalifa, 16. All four were found unharmed and have been reunited with their families.
In addition to neutralizing the kidnapper and rescuing the victims, the troops recovered a substantial amount of evidence, including N650,000 in cash, footwear, a power bank, and mobile phones from the suspect.
In a separate but related operation in the Ujemen community of Esan West Local Government Area, troops apprehended a 39-year-old suspected kidnapper, Omogbegha Solomon, during a raid on a suspected hideout.
A disturbing discovery was made during the raid: a shrine containing charms and photographs of various individuals was found in an abandoned room on the property. The shrine was destroyed on-site, and the suspect has been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Ekpoma Division, for further investigation.
Brigadier-General Ahmed Balogun, Commander of the 4 Brigade, lauded the troops for their professionalism and dedication. He urged them to maintain their offensive posture against criminal elements in the state and reassured the people of Edo State of the army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
