Edo State Police Command has recorded another significant operational success in its sustained offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes, following the successful rescue of a kidnapped victim, the neutralisation of one suspected kidnapper, and the recovery of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,500,000.00) ransom during a coordinated tactical operation in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement Issued to newsmen on Saturday in Benin, the Edo State capital.
ASP Ikoedem said: “On 6th August, 2026, at about 9:20 p.m., a joint team comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from Ubiaja Division, the Nigerian Army, and members of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN), acting on credible intelligence and technical surveillance, launched a carefully coordinated rescue operation in the Onogolo/Oria Forest following the abduction of Mr. Lucky Egbeki of Urueun Quarters, Ubiaja, who was kidnapped on 5th August, 2026.
“The joint security team had strategically positioned itself along the route identified for the ransom collection after painstaking intelligence gathering.
“As the kidnappers emerged to receive the ransom, they were ambushed by the operatives while immediately opening fire in a desperate attempt to evade arrest.
He said the operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, leading to a fierce gun duel during which one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while two other members of the gang escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
The police spokesman said a coordinated manhunt has since been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He said the operation culminated in the successful rescue of the hostage without any injury, while the entire ransom sum of ₦1.5 million brought for the victim’s release was recovered intact at the scene.
According to him, the hostage has since been medically evaluated and reunited with his family.
The Edo State Police commended the bravery, professionalism and seamless collaboration among the Police, Nigerian Army and the Edo State Security Network personnel. This showcased its intensified intelligence-driven policing efforts, strategic forest operations and enhanced inter-agency collaboration. It will also ensure that kidnapping and other violent crimes are substantially subdued while suspects are brought to justice.
Residents are assured that every available resource is being deployed to arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Edo State Police Command also urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and actionable information as security remains a collective responsibility and sustained public cooperation is vital to winning the fight against violent crime.