Operation WABAIZIGAN has reinforced military efforts to secure one of Nigeria's busiest transport corridors after troops disrupted a kidnapping operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway, rescuing all 14 abducted victims and sustaining pressure on criminal groups operating within Edo State.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: 31 July 2026
Time: 17:20 WAT
Location: Edo State, Nigeria
The Assistant Director Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, disclosed that troops of 4 Brigade, under 2 Division, responded to credible intelligence on a kidnapping incident in Ovia North East Local Government Area on the night of 30 July. Acting immediately, the patrol team pursued the kidnappers along their withdrawal route, forcing them to abandon 11 captives before escaping into the surrounding forest.
Rather than ending the pursuit after the initial rescue, troops launched a follow-up clearance operation on 31 July, combing the forest until the remaining three victims were located and rescued. The operation ensured that every abducted traveller was recovered, preventing the criminals from retaining hostages for ransom or relocating them to deeper hideouts.
Following medical assessment and preliminary debriefing, all 14 rescued victims were confirmed to be in stable condition before reuniting with their families or continuing their journeys. Troops have since expanded search operations to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle the criminal network responsible for the attack.
The latest operation reflects the Nigerian Army's growing emphasis on intelligence-led, rapid-response operations designed to secure critical highways, deny kidnappers freedom of movement and reassure commuters travelling through vulnerable corridors. The Lagos–Benin Expressway remains one of the country's most strategic economic routes, making sustained security operations essential to protecting both lives and commerce.
The Commander, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience and swift operational response. He reaffirmed the Brigade's determination to sustain offensive operations against criminal elements while strengthening security across Edo State and safeguarding major lines of communication within its area of responsibility.
🏷️ Tags: Zig Press Release, Defence, Operation WABAIZIGAN, Edo Security, Anti-Kidnapping Operations, Nigerian Army, Lagos–Benin Expressway, 4 Brigade
#ZigPressRelease #ZigDiariesDefence #OperationWABAIZIGAN #EdoSecurity #AntiKidnapping #NigerianArmy #LagosBeninExpressway #InternalSecurity
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