Nigerian soldiers save 14 people kidnapped on the road

Troops from the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Benin have rescued 14 people who were kidnapped along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

Kennedy Anyanwu, the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the 4 Brigade, shared this news in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.

Captain Anyanwu explained that the operation happened in the Ovia North-East Local Government Area along the road. The troops were part of Operation WABAIZIGAN during the rescue mission.

He said the rescue followed a kidnapping that took place on Thursday night. The troops were on routine patrol when they got reliable information about the kidnapping at around 9:30 p.m. They quickly followed the kidnappers' escape route.

"The sustained pressure from the troops made the kidnappers leave behind 11 of the victims before they fled into the nearby forest," he stated.

"The troops then carried out a follow-up operation in the forest on Friday, which led to the rescue of the remaining three victims."

All 14 rescued victims were given initial debriefing and medical checks and were found to be in stable condition. Captain Anyanwu also mentioned that the victims have since returned to their families and are continuing their journeys.

He said efforts are still ongoing to track down and catch the kidnappers who escaped. According to him, the operation shows that the army is ready and uses intelligence to fight kidnapping and other violent crimes together with other security forces.

He urged the public to keep giving timely and accurate information to security agencies to help in the fight against criminals.

Brigadier-General Ahmed Balogun, the Commander of the 4 Brigade, praised the troops for their professionalism and bravery during the operation.

Brigadier-General Balogun assured Edo residents and travelers on the Lagos-Benin Expressway that the brigade is committed to protecting lives and properties. He stated that troops will keep carrying out strong operations to deny criminals safe places and ensure a secure environment for honest citizens.