In Edo State, troops swiftly responded to a distress call reporting the kidnap of Mr Eritobor Stephen in Ekowe Community, Ovia South Local Government Area on Wednesday, 24 July 2024. Troops on sighting the kidnappers engaged them in a gun battle, neutralizing two of the kidnappers, while others took to their heels, fleeing towards the border between Edo and Ondo states.

Unknown to the fleeing kidnappers, troops in Ondo State were alerted of their movement, prompting them to lay an ambush along the escape route for the fleeing kidnappers. The effort led to the arrest of the kidnappers around Akotogbo in Ese Odo Local Government Area.

The gallant troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated pistol, an AK-47 rifle magazine, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two wraps of substance suspected to be marijuana.