Soldiers storm kidnappers’ hideout in Epe, rescue two victims as one suspect is killed and two others escape
Troops of the 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, working alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force and local vigilantes, have rescued two kidnap victims following a swift operation in Igbonla, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The victims, identified as Kelvin Okafor and Alex Anato, were reportedly abducted while working on a farm in the community on Friday, September 4, 2026.
The operation followed credible intelligence received by security personnel concerning the abduction and the location of the victims.
Acting on the information, troops and other members of the joint security team immediately mobilised to the area and moved towards the suspected location of the kidnappers.
As the security team closed in, the kidnappers reportedly sighted the advancing troops and other security personnel and abandoned the two captives before fleeing into the surrounding forest.
The security operatives pursued the fleeing suspects into the forest in an attempt to prevent their escape.
During the operation, one of the suspected kidnappers was reportedly neutralised, while two others managed to escape further into the forest.
The two victims were successfully rescued unhurt.
Following their rescue, Okafor and Anato were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for necessary medical assessment, debriefing and further action.
The remains of the neutralised suspect were also handed over to the Police for appropriate action.
The successful operation comes amid continued security operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across communities in Lagos State and other parts of the country.
The Nigerian Army said it remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work with the Police, other security agencies and local stakeholders to confront criminal elements.
The Army further stated that troops would sustain aggressive and intelligence-led operations aimed at denying criminals freedom of action and improving the safety and security of communities.
The rescue of the two victims is another reminder of the importance of timely intelligence and cooperation between security agencies and local communities in the fight against kidnapping.
Authorities are expected to continue efforts to track down the two suspects who escaped into the forest.
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