Troops Kill Three Suspected Kidnappers in Edo

Nigerian Army troops, working with other security agencies, local hunters and forest guards, have killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued a 44-year-old man held captive in Edo State.

The operation took place on October 11 in Sasaro Forest, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, following intelligence reports about suspected kidnappers operating in the area.

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City, Kennedy Anyanwu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

He said personnel of the 195 Battalion (Rear), alongside operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, hunters and forest guards, tracked the suspects after receiving credible intelligence about their activities.

According to the statement, the suspects opened fire when they sighted the advancing security team. The troops returned fire, killing three of them and rescuing the captive, identified as 44-year-old Prince Michael Akao.

The operation also yielded three locally made firearms and nine live cartridges. Other items recovered included five mobile phones, two power banks, two cutlasses, two torchlights, cooking pots, food plates, clothing, shoes, bathroom slippers, cigarettes, illicit drugs and charms.

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.”

The rescued man was taken to a hospital for medical attention and was reported to be in stable condition.

Anyanwu said the recovered items had been handed over to the DSS command in Igarra, while the bodies of the deceased suspects were transferred to the police division in Igarra for further action.

The Army said the operation demonstrated its commitment to intelligence-led security operations and highlighted the role of cooperation among security agencies in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

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.”

Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, praised the troops for their vigilance, courage and swift response. He also commended the participating security agencies for their cooperation.

Balogun assured residents that the brigade would maintain pressure on kidnappers and other criminal groups operating within its area of responsibility.

He said troops would continue intelligence-driven operations to prevent criminals from using forests as hideouts, protect lives and property, and improve security for farming, commerce and other lawful activities.

The commander also urged residents to provide security agencies with timely and reliable information to support ongoing operations and prevent crime.