The Edo State Police Command has rescued nine kidnapped victims from two different abduction incidences along the Benin-Lagos route and surrounding forest.
The Command announced this in a formal news release signed by Eno Ikoedem, its police public relations officer, on Friday.
According to the announcement, the breakthrough was the result of coordinated tactical operations, intelligence deployment, aerial surveillance, and prolonged bush-combing activities authorized by Monday Agbonika, the commissioner of police.
It stated, “@EdoPoliceNG is pleased to inform the general public that all victims abducted during the recent kidnapping incident along the Benin–Lagos Expressway have been successfully rescued alive.”
The police explained that the rescue was achieved after “immediate and massive deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, aerial surveillance, and other operational resources,” adding that sustained pressure on the kidnappers forced the release of the victims.
It further mentioned, “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.”
In a related operation, the Command confirmed the rescue of more abductees from another location. “In a related development, the Command also successfully rescued four (4) other kidnapped victims who were abducted earlier this month and held in captivity within the Imiegba forest in Agenebode.”
According to the announcement, all victims were medically assessed and deemed safe, bringing the total number rescued to nine.
The Command assured residents that security along the Benin-Lagos Expressway and nearby woodland corridors had been greatly strengthened.
Earlier, the Command reported that suspected armed kidnappers attacked a GUO Transport Company bus on the Lagos-Benin Express Road in the Iguobazuwa area on April 18, 2026, about 6:00 p.m.
According to the earlier statement, “The incident occurred when suspected kidnappers attacked a GUO Transport Company bus with registration number FA 280 YJ.”
The gunmen reportedly opened fire on the vehicle, killing the driver and kidnapping the occupants.
The police had said, “The attackers opened fire on the vehicle, killing the driver in the process, while five people were on board at the time of the incident.”
One female passenger was rescued with gunshot wounds and transported to a hospital, while three others were led into the wilderness.
The driver’s body was deposited at a mortuary, and the recovered bus was secured for examination.
