​Edo Troops Rescue Abducted Farmer, Recover ₦1.5m Ransom

​Joint security forces under Operation Ko Salo have successfully rescued a 50-year-old farmer, Mr. Lucky Egbiki, after neutralizing a suspected kidnapper during an intelligence-driven operation in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

​Mr. Egbiki was initially abducted from his farmland located in the Okehussan community of Ubiaja. Following the incident, troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army (under the 2 Division), operating in tandem with the Nigeria Police Force, launched a tactical response.

​Rather than succumbing to the criminals’ demands, security operatives cleverly exploited ongoing ransom negotiations. They lured the syndicate to a designated ambush site at Onogholo within the Local Government Area on August 6, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m.

​According to a statement issued by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, a fierce gunfight ensued when a member of the gang arrived at the rendezvous point to collect the ₦1.5 million ransom.

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• ​The Suspect: Neutralized on the spot during the exchange of gunfire.

• ​The Accomplices: Fled deep into the surrounding forest corridors, with several believed to have sustained varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

• ​The Victim: Rescued completely unhurt, alongside the full recovery of the ₦1.5 million cash intended for the ransom.

​Following preliminary debriefing and comprehensive medical evaluations confirming his stable health, Mr. Egbiki was formally reunited with his family.

​Subsequent aggressive clearance operations were executed across the dense surrounding forests on August 7 and 8 to flush out the remnants of the fleeing gang, though no further contact was established.

​Commending the troops for their swift tactical response, bravery, and professionalism, the Commander of the 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, reiterated the military’s firm resolve. He assured residents that the Brigade would sustain intense, intelligence-led pressure to dismantle criminal networks, secure safe havens, and safeguard farming and commercial activities across Edo State.

​Security authorities have once again appealed to members of the public to maintain active civic vigilance and provide timely, actionable information to help security forces sustain operational momentum across the region.