Army Rescues Kidnapped Edo Farmer, Kills Kidnapper In Ransom Trap
A ransom payment meant to secure a kidnapped farmer’s freedom has instead led security forces to a gang of kidnappers in Edo State, with one suspect killed and the victim rescued unharmed.
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, working with the Nigeria Police Force, rescued 50-year-old farmer, Lucky Egbiki, after he was abducted from his farm in Okehussan, Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted under Operation KO SALO, took place at about 6:00 p.m. on 6 August 2026, following intelligence on the victim’s abduction and movement by the kidnappers.
According to the Brigade’s Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, security forces used ransom negotiations to lure the criminals to a predetermined location at Onogholo.
One kidnapper who arrived to collect the ₦1.5 million ransom was neutralised during the ensuing encounter, while others fled into the surrounding forest, with some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
The troops recovered the ransom and rescued Egbiki unharmed. He was medically assessed before being reunited with his family.
Follow-up clearance operations conducted between 7 and 8 August yielded no further contact with the fleeing criminals.
The Army said the operation demonstrated the value of intelligence-sharing and inter-agency collaboration in tackling kidnapping, while urging residents to provide timely information to security agencies.
The Commander, 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops and pledged sustained intelligence-led operations to deny criminals safe havens and protect lives, property and farming activities across the state.
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