Soldiers of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade have freed 14 people kidnapped on the Lagos–Benin Expressway in Ovia North-East, Edo State.

The rescue was executed under Operation WABAIZIGAN between the night of July 30 and the morning of July 31, 2026, the brigade said in a statement.

According to the Commander, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, troops on patrol received information about the abduction and moved in immediately. Under pressure, the attackers dropped 11 of the captives and escaped into the bush.

Soldiers returned the next day for a search operation and located the last three victims hiding in the forest.

Military authorities said all 14 were examined by medical personnel, found to be stable, and later handed over to relatives or allowed to proceed with their trips.

Balogun praised the troops for their speed and discipline. He said the brigade would keep up offensive patrols to flush out criminal gangs operating along major highways in Edo.

He also called on residents and travelers to volunteer credible information to security forces, noting that public support was key to sustaining gains against kidnapping.

The army said the operation reflects its ongoing collaboration with other agencies to curb violent crime in the state.