TROOPS ELIMINATES 3 SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RESCUE VICTIM IN EDO
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HOTJIST NEWS
Troops from the Nigerian Army, along with other security groups, local hunters, and forest watchers, have killed three people who were suspected of kidnapping and have rescued a man who was taken hostage.The man is 44 years old.
This action took place on October 11 in Sasaro Forest, which is located in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
Kennedy Anyanwu, who is the Assistant Director for Army Public Relations in the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army based in Benin City, shared this information in a statement on Monday.
He explained that the operation was carried out by soldiers from the 195 Battalion (Rear) after they received reliable information about the activities of the suspected kidnappers in the area.
The statement read, “Troops of 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under 2 Division, in collaboration with personnel of the Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, local hunters and forest guards, have neutralised three suspected notorious kidnappers on October 11.
“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.”
He added, “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 Prince Michael Akao.
“Items recovered during the operation included three locally fabricated firearms and nine live cartridges. Others 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.”
According to the statement, the rescued victim was receiving medical attention at a hospital and had been confirmed to be in stable condition.
Anyanwu said the recovered items had been handed over to the DSS Command in Igarra, while the remains of the neutralised suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Igarra Division, for further necessary action.
The statement added, “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 suspected kidnappers. He also appreciated the collaboration among security agencies, which contributed to the success of the operation. Consolidating security gains across Edo State.
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