Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued two kidnap victims in Igbonla, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The victims, identified as Kelvin Okafor and Alex Anato, were abducted while working on a farm in the area on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The operation followed credible intelligence on the abduction, prompting a joint security team to mobilise to the kidnappers’ location.
According to the Army, the kidnappers abandoned the victims and fled into the surrounding forest after sighting the advancing security personnel.
The team pursued the fleeing suspects, resulting in the killing of one of the kidnappers, while two others escaped deeper into the forest.
The two victims were rescued unhurt and handed over to the police for medical assessment, debriefing and further action.
The remains of the suspect killed during the operation were also handed over to the police for appropriate action.
The Nigerian Army said it would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations in collaboration with other security agencies and local stakeholders to protect lives and property and deny criminal elements freedom of action.