Police operatives
Edo State Police Command has confirmed the safe rescue of all passengers abducted during the recent kidnapping incident along the Benin–Lagos Expressway, bringing relief to families and commuters along the busy corridor.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the police said the victims were freed following a coordinated security operation involving tactical teams and intelligence-driven strategies.
“@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 statement read.
According to the police, the operation was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, who directed the immediate deployment of security resources to the affected area.
“This breakthrough was achieved following the immediate and massive deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, aerial surveillance, and other operational resources by the Commissioner of Police CP Monday Agbonika… to the affected corridor,” the statement added.
The Command explained that sustained bush-combing operations and strategic domination of the area mounted pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately forcing them to abandon their captives.
“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 development, police operatives also rescued four additional victims who had been kidnapped earlier in the month and held in the Imiegba forest in Agenebode, Etsako East.
“They have likewise received medical attention and are safe, making a total of Nine (9) kidnapped victims rescued,” the statement noted.
The Command reassured the public that security presence along the expressway and surrounding communities has been significantly strengthened to prevent further incidents.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to reassure the public, particularly commuters and residents, that security deployment along the Benin–Lagos Expressway and adjoining communities has been significantly strengthened.”
It added that tactical and intelligence assets would remain active in the area until normalcy is fully restored.
Authorities also vowed to bring those responsible to justice, stressing that efforts to track down the perpetrators are ongoing.
“The Command is also intensifying efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. We are confident that all those involved will be tracked down and brought to justice in the shortest possible time.”
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information that could aid ongoing operations.
