The Edo State Police Command has rescued four people abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Lagos-Benin Expressway and launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
The command, in a statement issued on Friday by its Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the victims were rescued following a coordinated operation involving the police and other security stakeholders.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on July 30, 2026, when three armed men, dressed in vigilante uniforms, reportedly blocked the Ugbokun axis before the military checkpoint along the Lagos-Benin Expressway with logs of wood and leaves.
The suspects allegedly attacked motorists and abducted some occupants before taking them into the forest.
Following the incident, the Divisional Police Officer of the Okada Division mobilised a combined team of police operatives, members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, local hunters and other security partners to commence a rescue operation.
The command said the operation involved extensive bush-combing, supported by drone technology deployed to assist in locating the victims and tracking the kidnappers.
It said sustained pressure from the security teams eventually forced the suspects to release the hostages and flee into the surrounding forest.
The four victims were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.
The Edo State Police Command commended the personnel and other security stakeholders involved in the operation for what it described as their bravery, professionalism and effective coordination.
The command also assured residents that it would sustain its operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
Meanwhile, the police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
The command urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and operations.
The statement was signed by ASP Eno Ikoedem, Police Public Relations Officer, Edo State Command, on August 7, 2026.
NPF, NOA Deepen Partnership on National Values, Conflict Prevention
August 7, 2026
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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have pledged to strengthen collaboration on public enlightenment, national values and early conflict prevention as part of broader efforts to enhance national security and promote responsible
