Troops Rescue Kidnapped 50-Year-Old Farmer, Neutralise Kidnapper in Edo
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security personnel, have rescued a 50-year-old farmer kidnapped from his farm in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The victim, identified as Mr Lucky Egbiki, was kidnapped from his farm at Okehussan, Ubiaja, on Aug. 6.
Following a tip-off on the abduction, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Udomi, in conjunction with Keystone, planned and executed a covert rescue operation.
According to a military source, the troops exploited negotiations over ransom payment to lure the kidnappers into a rendezvous at Onogholo, in Esan South-East LGA.
The troops subsequently engaged the kidnappers, resulting in the neutralisation of one kidnapper, while others fled the scene with possible gunshot wounds.
During the operation, the troops successfully rescued Egbiki and recovered ₦1.5 million reportedly meant for ransom payment.
The troops expended four rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during the encounter.
The rescued victim and recovered cash were subsequently handed over to his family.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by security forces to disrupt kidnapping networks and rescue victims across Edo State.
