Edo State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its ongoing offensive against kidnapping and violent crimes with the rescue of an abducted victim and the arrest of suspected kidnappers during a tactical operation in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
The operation, which was carried out in the early hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026, involved operatives of the Command working alongside members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local vigilantes.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the mission followed credible intelligence received around 6:30 a.m. concerning the activities of suspected kidnappers operating within the Eguaholor forest axis.
Police operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Ehor Division were immediately mobilized to the area where they reportedly came under attack from armed members of the gang.
“The kidnappers engaged the security team in a gun duel, but the superior firepower and tactical response of the operatives forced the criminals into disarray,” the statement said.
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the suspects identified as Prince Momodu James was neutralized, while three other suspected gang members were arrested.
The suspects arrested are: Bright Junior, 25, from Agbor in Delta State; Salisu Abubakar, 27, from Kano State and Prince Momodu James, 27, from Auchi, Edo State
The police also confirmed the successful rescue of 56-year-old Saturday Enakhimon, who was abducted on May 13, 2026, in Igueben. He was rescued unhurt and has since been taken to a hospital for medical attention.
Items recovered during the operation include a motorcycle, a cut-to-size gun, N800,000 cash, one Android phone, three touch-light phones, three empty shell cartridges, ATM cards, a SIM card, and other personal belongings believed to be linked to the suspects.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the officers and vigilante members for their bravery and swift response.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain aggressive operations against criminal elements across the state.
“The Edo State Police Command remains relentless, battle-ready, and fully committed to flushing out criminal elements from every part of the State,” the statement added.
The Command also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
