Nigerian Army and ESSC neutralize notorious Edo kidnapper in Warrake forest and rescue four victims unharmed during night operation

Operatives of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Edo State Security Corps, have neutralized a notorious kidnapper terrorising Auchi and surrounding communities while rescuing four victims unharmed.

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Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for 4 Brigade, disclosed that the operation, codenamed IGBO DANU 1, took place in Warrake Forest, Owan East Local Government Area, during a night patrol on March 3, 2026.

“The troops responded to gunshots heard in the forest, pursued the criminals aggressively with minimum use of firearms, and neutralised a notorious kidnapper who had been terrorising Auchi and environs,” Captain Anyanwu said.

The joint operation involved personnel from the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and local vigilantes. The superior firepower and coordinated strategy forced remaining gang members to abandon the victims and flee into the bush.

The rescued victims, aged 16 to 29, were identified as Stella Abbas, Tina Ododa, Razak Rashid, and Mutanibi Kalifa, and have since been reunited with their families.

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Items recovered from the neutralised kidnapper included N650,000 in cash, footwear, a power bank, and mobile phones. The Army has reiterated its commitment to maintaining security and vowed to continue operations against criminal elements in Edo State.