Army Foils Lagos-Benin Kidnap, Rescues All 14 Victims In Relentless Two-Day Forest Operation

The Nigerian Army has successfully rescued all 14 passengers abducted along the Lagos-Benin Expressway after a determined two-day operation that forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee into the forest.

The rescue operation, carried out by troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army under the command of Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, has been hailed as a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crimes along one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.

The incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on July 30, when armed kidnappers intercepted travellers along the Lagos-Benin Expressway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State and whisked away 14 victims into a nearby forest.

Acting on credible intelligence received while on routine patrol, troops of the 4 Brigade immediately launched a rescue mission without waiting until daylight. The soldiers swiftly pursued the kidnappers along their escape route, mounting intense pressure that forced the criminals to abandon 11 of the victims before fleeing deeper into the forest.

Rather than ending the operation after securing the release of the majority of the captives, the troops intensified the search for the three remaining victims.

On July 31, the soldiers returned to the forest and conducted an extensive search operation, combing the area until the remaining three abducted persons were located and rescued safely.

Military authorities confirmed that all 14 victims underwent medical assessment and preliminary debriefing before being reunited with their families or allowed to continue their respective journeys. They were all reported to be in stable condition.

Security sources described the operation as a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that no victim is left behind during rescue missions.

The operation also underscored the critical role of timely intelligence from members of the public. According to security officials, prompt information provided by concerned citizens enabled the troops to respond swiftly, frustrate the kidnappers’ plans and secure the victims’ freedom before they could be moved to remote hideouts.

Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing kidnappers, with security operatives intensifying the manhunt to ensure those responsible are arrested and brought to justice.

The successful operation has been widely praised as another significant victory against criminal gangs terrorising motorists along the Lagos-Benin corridor, offering renewed hope that sustained military pressure and public cooperation can help restore safety on the nation’s highways.