Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion, working with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued two kidnap victims and neutralised one of their abductors in Igbonla, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The victims, identified as Mr Kelvin Okafor and Mr Alex Anato, were abducted while working on a farm in the area on Friday, September 4, 2026.
Following credible intelligence on the abduction, the joint security team swiftly mobilised and launched an operation to locate the victims and their captors.
The operation forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee into the surrounding forest after sighting the advancing security personnel. Troops and their partners immediately gave chase, resulting in the neutralisation of one of the fleeing kidnappers.
Two other suspects, however, managed to escape deeper into the forest and are currently being pursued by security operatives.
The two victims were rescued unhurt and subsequently handed over to the Police for medical assessment, debriefing and further necessary action. The remains of the neutralised suspect were also handed over to the Police.
The Nigerian Army said the operation underscores its commitment to protecting lives and property through sustained intelligence-led and coordinated operations.
It added that troops, in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders, would continue to intensify operations to deny criminal elements freedom of action and strengthen security across vulnerable communities.
