Edo State Police Command has announced the rescue of nine kidnap victims from two separate incidents along the Benin–Lagos corridor and nearby forest areas.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem.
According to the statement, the operation followed a coordinated strategy involving tactical deployments, intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and sustained bush-combing exercises directed by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.
The Command stated that all victims abducted during the recent incident along the Benin–Lagos Expressway were rescued alive.
It attributed the success to the “immediate and massive deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, aerial surveillance, and other operational resources,” noting that persistent pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victims.
“The sustained rescue efforts, coordinated bush-combing operations, and strategic domination of the area exerted pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately leading to the safe rescue of all victims. They have since received medical evaluation and treatment, and reunited with their families,” the statement added.
In a related development, the Command confirmed the rescue of four additional victims who had earlier been abducted and held in captivity within the Imiegba forest in Agenebode.
Authorities said all rescued individuals have undergone medical checks and are in stable condition, bringing the total number of victims freed to nine.
The Command further assured residents that security presence along the Benin–Lagos Expressway and adjoining forest corridors has been strengthened to prevent further incidents.
