The Edo State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of nine individuals kidnapped in two separate incidents along the Benin–Lagos Expressway and nearby forest areas.
This was made known in a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem.
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The police said the operation was the result of coordinated tactical efforts, intelligence gathering, aerial monitoring, and extensive search operations initiated by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.
According to the statement, the victims taken during the recent attack on the Benin–Lagos Expressway were all freed unharmed.
The Command explained that the rescue followed the swift deployment of tactical units, intelligence resources, and aerial support, noting that continuous pressure on the kidnappers forced them to abandon their captives.
It added that sustained search-and-rescue missions and strategic control of the affected areas compelled the criminals to release the victims, who have since undergone medical checks and reunited with their families.
In a separate but related operation, police operatives also rescued four additional victims who had been abducted earlier in the month and held in the Imiegba forest in Agenebode.
All rescued individuals were confirmed to be in stable condition after medical examination, bringing the total number of those freed to nine.
The Command reassured the public that security presence along the Benin–Lagos Expressway and surrounding forest routes has been strengthened.
Previously, the police had reported that suspected kidnappers attacked a bus belonging to GUO Transport Company along the Lagos–Benin Expressway in the Iguobazuwa area on April 18, 2026, around 6:00 p.m.
During the attack, the gunmen allegedly opened fire on the vehicle, killing the driver and abducting passengers.
At the time, five passengers were said to be on board. One female victim with gunshot wounds was rescued and taken to hospital, while three others were dragged into the forest.
The driver’s remains were later taken to a morgue, and the vehicle was recovered for further investigation.
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