Nigerian Army troops rescued 14 people who had been kidnapped along the Lagos-Benin Expressway in Edo State [1].
The operation highlights the ongoing security challenges facing major transit corridors in Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom remains a persistent threat to commuters and commercial drivers.
The rescue was carried out by troops of the Nigerian Army’s 4 Brigade, which operates under the 2 Division [1]. The soldiers were acting as part of Operation WABAIZIGAN, a strategic effort to secure the region and respond rapidly to criminal activity [1], [2].
According to reports, the 14 victims [1], [2], [3] were intercepted and saved during a swift response to the abduction incident. The Lagos-Benin Expressway is a critical artery for trade and travel, making it a frequent target for criminal gangs operating in the forests and outskirts of Edo State.
Military officials said the operation was part of a broader mandate to neutralize kidnappers and ensure the safety of road users. The 4 Brigade continues to maintain a presence in the area to deter further abductions, a move intended to restore confidence in the safety of the expressway.
While the specific details of the victims' conditions were not provided, the army said the rescue was successful [1]. The coordination between the 2 Division and the 4 Brigade underscores the military's current focus on rapid intervention tactics to prevent long-term captivity for victims of highway crime.
“Nigerian Army troops rescued 14 people who had been kidnapped along the Lagos-Benin Expressway”
The use of specialized operations like WABAIZIGAN indicates that the Nigerian military is shifting toward a rapid-response model to combat highway kidnapping. By deploying the 4 Brigade specifically to high-risk corridors like the Lagos-Benin Expressway, the army aims to reduce the window of time kidnappers have to move victims to remote hideouts, thereby increasing the probability of successful rescues.
