…Edo kidnapper neutralised during the encounter was believed to have been terrorising residents of Auchi.
Auchi, Nigeria — The iNews Times | Troops of the Nigerian Army 4 Brigade under the 2 Division have neutralised a suspected notorious Edo kidnapper and rescued four abducted victims during a security operation in Edo State, authorities said on Wednesday.
The operation, conducted under Operation IGBO DANU 1, took place in Warake Forest in Auchi Local Government Area, where soldiers engaged suspected kidnappers during a night patrol.
The Edo kidnapper neutralised during the encounter was believed to have been terrorising residents of Auchi and surrounding communities.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for the 4 Brigade, Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu.
According to the statement, troops launched the operation on March 3, 2026, after responding to reports of gunshots in the forest.
“Troops during Operation IGBO DANU 1 working alongside personnel from the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and local vigilantes carried out a night operation in Warake Forest, Auchi Local Government Area,” the statement said.
“The troops responded to gunshots heard in the forest during a night patrol with aggressive pursuit and minimum use of firearms.”
The Army said the troops overpowered the criminals during the encounter, leading to the neutralisation of the suspected Edo kidnapper, while other members of the gang fled into the bush.
“The gallant troops neutralised a notorious kidnapper that has been terrorising Auchi and environs during the encounter. The superior firepower of troops forced the remaining criminals to abandon their victims and flee,” the statement added.
During the operation, four abducted victims were successfully rescued and later reunited with their families.
The rescued victims were identified as Stella Abbas (29), Tina Ododa (19), Razak Rashid (27), and Mutanibi Kalifa (16).
“They were rescued unhurt and later reunited with their families,” the Army said.
Security operatives also recovered several items from the Edo kidnapper neutralised, including N650,000 in cash, footwear, a power bank and mobile phones.
Suspect Arrested in Separate Operation
In a separate operation carried out the same day, troops in collaboration with the State Security Corps raided a suspected Edo kidnapper hideout in Ujemen, Esan West Local Government Area.
During the raid, a 39-year-old suspect identified as Omogbegha Solomon was arrested.
Troops also discovered a shrine containing charms and photographs of various individuals inside an abandoned room within the compound.
“The shrine was destroyed in-situ, and the suspect was handed over to the Nigeria Police Force Ekpoma Division for further investigation,” the Army said.
Army Commander Praises Troops
The Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism and bravery during the operations.
He urged them to sustain the ongoing crackdown against criminal elements across Edo State.
“The Commander 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their dexterity and urged them to sustain the aggressive onslaught against all the criminal elements in line with directives from the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Chinedu Nnebeife,” the statement added.
Balogun also reassured residents of the brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Edo State.
