Troops Rescue 14 Kidnap Victims Along Lagos Benin Expressway in Edo

Troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, under the 2 Division, have rescued 14 kidnapped victims following an abduction incident along the Lagos Benin Expressway in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The operation, conducted under Operation Whirl Stroke, followed credible intelligence received by troops on routine patrol at about 9:30pm on July 30, according to the spokesman for the 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu.

Anyanwu said troops immediately pursued the kidnappers along their escape route, forcing them to abandon 11 of the victims before fleeing into a nearby forest, with the remaining captives subsequently recovered during the follow up operation.

The swift response highlights the continued operational tempo of Operation Whirl Stroke, which has focused on securing the busy Lagos Benin corridor against recurring kidnapping incidents targeting travellers along the route.

Security agencies say the rescued victims are receiving necessary care following their ordeal, while troops continue efforts to track down the fleeing kidnappers believed to be hiding in forest terrain near the expressway.

The Lagos Benin Expressway has repeatedly featured in kidnapping incidents in recent years, prompting sustained military and police patrols aimed at protecting motorists travelling the busy interstate route.