The Edo State Police Command has rescued 16 kidnapped victims in separate coordinated operations along the Benin-Lagos and Benin-Akure highways.
The Spokesman of the command, Joel Yamu, said this in a statement.
Yamu said that the rescue operations were carried out in partnership with vigilantes and local hunters.
According to him, “These combined efforts yielded significant success as six victims were rescued along the Benin–Akure Road, one of them sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and was rescued from the scene by public-spirited individuals, and is currently responding to treatment.
”Similarly, three additional victims were safely rescued along the Benin–Lagos Road. Furthermore, seven victims of the Benin-Akure road kidnap regained their freedom in the evening of 25th August, 2025”, he said.
Narrating how the rescue operations took place, Yamu said, “On 23rd August, 2025, at about 17:30hrs and 18:00hrs respectively, armed kidnappers blocked the highways and abducted innocent travellers.
His words: “Distress calls were immediately received, prompting the swift mobilisation of security resources.
“Operatives of Iguobazuwa Division and Ekiadolor Division, in synergy with tactical teams, vigilantes, and local hunters, embarked on intensive and rigorous bush-combing operations to pursue the hoodlums and secure the release of the victims ”, he added.
He further said, the Edo State Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, led the operation along the Benin–Akure axis.
“To enhance precision and coordination, the Command deployed advanced technical support, including drones, which proved instrumental in the rescue efforts.”
Agbonika commended the operatives and the vital role played by vigilantes and local hunters in the operations.
He noted that the synergy between formal law enforcement and community structures continues to prove effective in tackling violent crime.
The commissioner assured that the command will not relent until the remaining victims are rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
“We are determined to rid our highways and communities of violent crime, and we will continue to deploy all resources, both human and technological, to guarantee the safety of every resident and travellers,” the police assured.
