Lagos: Army rescues two kidnapped farm workers, kills suspected kidnapper

Lagos: Army rescues two kidnapped farm workers, kills suspected kidnapper

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion, working alongside the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued two kidnap victims during a joint security operation in Igbonla, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.

The operation followed the abduction of Kelvin Okafor and Alex Anato, who were reportedly kidnapped while working on a farm in the community on Friday, September 4, 2026.

The security operation was launched after troops received credible intelligence on the abduction and the suspected location where the victims were being held.

Acting on the information, troops of the 65 Battalion, supported by police operatives and local vigilantes, mobilised to the area and advanced towards the kidnappers’ hideout.

The suspects reportedly abandoned the two victims and fled into the surrounding forest after sighting the advancing security personnel.

The troops and other security operatives immediately gave chase, leading to an encounter with the fleeing suspects.

During the pursuit, one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while two others reportedly escaped deeper into the forest.

The two rescued victims were said to be unhurt and were subsequently handed over to the police for medical assessment, debriefing and further necessary action.

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The remains of the neutralised suspect were also handed over to the police for appropriate procedures and further investigation.

The operation highlights the importance of intelligence sharing and cooperation between security agencies and local stakeholders in tackling kidnapping, particularly in rural and forested communities.

The Nigerian Army said it remains committed to protecting lives and property, adding that troops would continue to collaborate with other security agencies and local stakeholders to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements.

The Army said such operations are aimed at denying criminal groups freedom of action, disrupting their networks and improving the safety and security of communities across the country.

Security personnel are expected to intensify efforts to locate the suspects who escaped during the operation and determine whether they are connected to other kidnapping incidents in the area.

The latest operation also underscores ongoing security concerns around isolated farming communities and forested areas, where criminal groups can exploit difficult terrain to carry out abductions and evade security personnel.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information about suspicious activities that could assist ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities.

Lagos: Army rescues two kidnapped farm workers, kills suspected kidnapper