Police kill three suspected kidnappers, rescue abducted man in Edo

On Sunday, October 11, 2026, a joint security operation in Edo State resulted in the killing of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of an abducted man, Michael Akano. The team consisted of police officers, Nigerian Army troops, DSS operatives, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps. Acting on credible intelligence, the unit raided a forest bordering Otuo where Akano had been held captive since October 9, 2026.

The operation began early Sunday morning with technical support, leading to a gun battle where three suspects were killed. The other members managed to escape with gunshot wounds. Akano was rescued unharmed and taken to a local hospital for medical attention. Items recovered from the location included three homemade shotguns, ammunition, cutlasses, and mobile phones of various brands.

The police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, reported that the bodies of the deceased suspects were sent to the General Hospital mortuary in Igarra for autopsy. The Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, praised the joint security team for their swift response and effective coordination during the operation. He also emphasized the command's commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes by continuing intelligence-driven operations in the area.

Ikoedem urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring the public that actionable intelligence would be addressed promptly.