Troops Kill Three Suspected Kidnappers, Rescue Hostage in Edo Forest

By: Tunji Okunlola

Nigerian Army troops, working with other security agencies, local hunters and forest guards, have killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued a 44-year-old man held hostage in Sasaro Forest, in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The operation took place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, according to Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Benin City. He disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Anyanwu said soldiers of the 195 Battalion (Rear) launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence about the suspects’ activities in the area. Personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force also took part.

“During the operation, the troops made contact with the notorious kidnappers, who immediately opened fire on sighting the advancing security team,” the statement read.

He added that troops returned fire, and the resulting exchange left three suspects dead. The rescued victim was identified as Prince Michael Akao, 44.

The army said it recovered three locally fabricated firearms and nine live cartridges from the scene. Other items included five mobile phones, two power banks, two cutlasses, two torchlights, foodstuffs, cooking utensils, clothing, charms and illicit drugs.

According to the statement, Akao is receiving treatment at a hospital and is in stable condition.

Anyanwu said the recovered items had been handed over to the DSS Command in Igarra, while the bodies of the suspects were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Igarra Division, for further action.

“The successful operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s operational readiness, commitment to intelligence-led operations and determination to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State,” the statement said.

The Commander of 4 Brigade, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their vigilance, courage and professionalism, and praised the cooperation among the security agencies involved.