Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued two kidnap victims following their abduction at a farm in Igbonla, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The victims, identified as Kelvin Okafor and Alex Anato, were reportedly abducted while working on the farm on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The rescue operation followed credible intelligence received by security agencies regarding the abduction. Acting on the information, the joint security team swiftly mobilised to the area and advanced towards the suspected location of the kidnappers.
According to the Army, the kidnappers fled into the surrounding forest after sighting the advancing security personnel, abandoning their captives.
The security team pursued the fleeing suspects, during which one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while two others reportedly escaped deeper into the forest.
The two victims were rescued unhurt and handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for medical assessment, debriefing and further necessary action.
The remains of the neutralised suspect were also handed over to the police for appropriate action.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, saying it would continue to work with other security agencies and local stakeholders to sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal elements.
The Army said the operations are aimed at denying criminals freedom of action and improving the safety and security of communities across the country.
