Police Gun Down Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Victim in Edo

The Edo State Police Command, in collaboration with military forces and the Edo State Security Corps, successfully eliminated a suspected kidnapper and rescued a victim in the region. This operation also resulted in the recovery of N1.5 million in ransom that had been paid to free the victim. The rescue took place in the dense forest of Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government, after a gun battle erupted between the security team and the suspects.

Eno Ikoedem, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, revealed that the suspect was kidnapped on August 5th, 2026, from his farm in Urueun Quarters. The kidnappers subsequently took him deep into the forest. On August 6th, 2026, the security forces received intelligence about the kidnapping and mobilized a joint rescue operation in the Onogolo/Oria Forest.

The team strategically positioned themselves along the route where the ransom was expected to be paid. Upon the arrival of the kidnappers to collect the ransom, they opened fire in an attempt to avoid capture. In the ensuing gun battle, one of the suspected kidnappers was killed, while two others escaped the scene with gunshot injuries. Subsequently, a manhunt was initiated to apprehend the fleeing suspects and ensure they face justice.

The successful operation resulted in the safe rescue of the victim, who was unharmed during the process. The recovered ransom of N1.5 million demonstrated the effectiveness of the collaborative efforts between the police, military, and Edo State Security Corps in combating kidnappings and protecting citizens. The police assured the residents that all available resources would be utilized to apprehend the remaining fugitives.