By Osaretin Osadebamwen
Troops of the 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, have rescued a 50‑year‑old farmer, Mr. Lucky Egbiki, who was abducted at his farm in Okehussan, Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The rescue took place around 6 p.m. on August 6, 2026, following credible intelligence on the abduction.
Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Benin City, Kennedy Anyanwu, said in a statement that security forces used ransom negotiations to lure the kidnappers to a predetermined location at Onogholo, where troops and police engaged the gang.
“One of the kidnappers who arrived at the location to collect the ransom was neutralised by the troops, forcing the other members of the gang to abandon the victim and flee into the surrounding forest,” Anyanwu said.
The operation led to the recovery of the N1.5 million ransom and the safe rescue of Egbiki, who was later reunited with his family after medical checks confirmed his stable condition.
In follow‑up clearance operations on August 7 and 8, troops combed the forest but made no further contact with the fleeing criminals.
Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, commended the troops for their “proactiveness, courage and professionalism,” assuring residents that aggressive, intelligence‑led operations would continue to deny criminals safe havens and protect lives and property across Edo State.
