In the early hours of Sunday, 11 October 2026, troops of the [Nigerian Army](https://www.nigerianarmy.gov.ng) carried out a rescue in Sasaro Forest, Akoko‑Edo Local Government Area, Edo State, freeing a kidnapped child identified as Prince Michael Akao and killing three alleged abductors.
**What were the exact details of the operation?**
- The mission was launched around 02:00 GMT after a tip‑off reached security officials.
- Soldiers from the 195 Battalion (Reconnaissance) worked alongside other security agencies.
- Three suspects were neutralised, and three locally‑made firearms, nine cartridges and assorted items were recovered.
- The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where he is reported to be responding well to treatment.
**Who provided information about the incident?**
Security analyst Zagazola Makama posted on X, citing sources that the rescued individual was “identified as Prince Michael Akao.” He added that the seized weapons were turned over to the [Department of State Services](https://dss.gov.ng), while the bodies of the deceased suspects are now in the custody of the [Nigeria Police Force](https://www.npf.gov.ng).
**Why was the operation significant?**
The rescue forms part of the ongoing security drive by the Army’s 2 Division to curb kidnapping and related crimes within its area of responsibility.
The operation underscores the collaborative effort of Nigeria’s security apparatus in responding swiftly to kidnapping threats and safeguarding civilians.