Police rescue 16 hostages from kidnappers in Edo

Police said their operatives working in partnership with vigilantes and local hunters have rescued 16 victims from kidnappers in separate coordinated operations carried out along Benin–Lagos and Benin–Akure roads corridor.

The spokesman for the Edo Police Command, Joel Yamu, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the statement, six victims were rescued along the Benin–Akure Road, one of them sustained a gunshot injury during the attack.

He was rescued from the scene by public-spirited individuals, and is currently responding to treatment.

Also, three additional victims were 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.”

On how the rescue operations were carried out, the police said, “On 23rd August, 2025, at about 17:30hrs and 18:00hrs respectively, armed kidnappers blocked the highways and abducted innocent travellers.

“Distress calls were immediately received, prompting the swift mobilisation of security resources,” the statement added.

“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.”

The statement indicated that 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.”

The Police Commissioner commended the operatives and the vital role played by vigilantes and local hunters in the operations.

According to him, 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.