Edo State Police Command said it has rescued no fewer than 16 kidnapped victims in separate coordinated operations in the State.
DAILY POST reports that Moses Yamu, the Public Relations Officer of the Command who disclosed this in a statement said the victims were rescued in collaboration with vigilantes and local hunters in an operation carried out along Benin–Lagos and Benin–Akure Roads.
Yamu said one of the victims who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and was rescued from the scene by public-spirited individuals is currently responding to treatment.
He said the victims who were travellers were kidnapped on August 23, 2025, between 5:30 pm and 6pm respectively, when the armed men blocked the highways and abducted them.
He said that acting on distress calls, the command swiftly mobilised security resources for the rescue operations.
He added that 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 Command’s image maker also added that Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command personally led the operation along the Benin–Akure axis.
He stated that to enhance precision and coordination, the Command deployed advanced technical support, including drones, which proved instrumental in the rescue efforts.
Yamu disclosed that six victims were rescued along the Benin-Akure road while three others were safely rescued along the Benin–Lagos Road.
The spokesman of the Command also disclosed that seven victims of the Benin-Akure road kidnap regained their freedom in the evening of August 25, 2025.
He said the Commissioner of Police commended the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives, as well as the vital role played by Vigilantes and Local Hunters in the operations.
He opined that the synergy between formal law enforcement and community structures has proven effective in tackling violent crime.
Yamu said the Commissioner of Police has further assured the public that the Command will not relent until the remaining victims are safely rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
He also reiterated the Command’s resolve to ensure that criminals find no hiding place within the State.
“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 travelers.
“The Edo State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property, and calls on members of the public to continue to trust and support the Police as we work together to secure our communities,” he said.
Recall that DAILY POST had on Monday reported that an unidentified number of passengers travelling on an 18-seater bus were abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Edo State.
The victims, who included students, were abducted on the Sobe-Benin road in Owan West Local Government Area of the state.
It was also reported that a social media influencer, popularly known as Verydarkman, VDM, rescued the driver who was shot by the kidnappers and took him to the hospital for medical attention.
