Troops rescue kidnapped Edo farmer, kill suspected kidnapper

Troops of the Nigerian Army, working with other security personnel, have rescued a 50-year-old farmer who was abducted from his farm in Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The victim, identified as Lucky Egbiki, was reportedly kidnapped from his farm in Okehussan, Ubiaja, on August 6.

Following a tip-off on the abduction, troops of the Forward Operating Base Udomi, in collaboration with Keystone, launched a covert operation to secure his release.

A military source said the troops used negotiations over the payment of ransom to lure the suspected kidnappers to a rendezvous point at Onogholo in Esan South-East LGA.

The troops engaged the suspects when they arrived at the location, killing one of the kidnappers, while others reportedly fled with possible gunshot injuries.

Egbiki was rescued during the operation, while security personnel recovered N1.5 million reportedly intended as ransom for his release.

The troops expended four rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition during the encounter.

The rescued farmer and recovered money were subsequently handed over to his family.

The operation forms part of ongoing security efforts to disrupt kidnapping networks and rescue abducted persons across Edo State.