Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The operatives of the Edo State Police command have rescued four kidnapped victims in the state.
The victims are Muritala Babatunde, Bello Aminat, Otor Prince, and Yeiyah Gift.
This was contained in a statement made available by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Ikoedem.
She said the victims regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation by its operatives and other security stakeholders.
The statement reads, “On 30th July, 2026, at about 10:40 p.m., information was received that armed men, numbering about three and dressed in vigilante uniforms, had blocked the Ugbokun axis before the military checkpoint along the Lagos/Benin Expressway with logs of wood and leaves.
“The hoodlums attacked motorists and abducted some occupants into the forest.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Okada Division, immediately mobilised a combined team of Police operatives including members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), local hunters and other security partners to the scene.
“The operatives immediately embarked on an aggressive bush-combing operation, enhanced by drone technology to search and aid the rescue mission.
“The sustained pressure mounted on the criminals forced them to release their captives and flee.”
The police said the hostages were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.
The command commended the bravery, professionalism and synergy exhibited by all personnel involved in the operations, reassuring residents of its relentlessness in its offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the State.
The command explained that operations were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue to support the police with timely and credible information,” the statement further reads.
