The Edo State Police Command has said four kidnapped victims have been rescued following a coordinated rescue operation by its operatives and other security stakeholders.
This was disclosed in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, on Friday.
Ikoedem said the victims were kidnapped on July 30 at about 10:40 pm by men who were dressed in vigilante uniforms.
The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued four kidnapped hostages following a coordinated rescue operation by its operatives and other security stakeholders.
“On 30th July, 2026, at about 10:40 p.m., information was received that armed men, numbering about three and dressed in vigilante uniforms, had blocked the Ugbokun axis before the military checkpoint along the Lagos/Benin Expressway with logs of wood and leaves. The hoodlums attacked motorists and abducted some occupants into the forest.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Okada Division, immediately mobilised a combined team of Police operatives including members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), local hunters and other security partners to the scene.
“The operatives immediately embarked on an aggressive bush-combing operation, enhanced by drone technology to search and aid the rescue mission.
“The sustained pressure mounted on the criminals forced them to flee leaving behind their victims Muritala Babatunde, Bello Aminat, Otor Prince and Yeiyah Gift. The hostages were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.”
Meanwhile, the police command commended the bravery, professionalism and synergy exhibited by all personnel involved in the operations.
He also reassured residents of its relentlessness in its offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The command also assured all that operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice, urging members of the public were encouraged to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information.
