Edo State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of a cattle dealer, Mr. Peter Balogun, popularly known as “Oga Peter,” who was abducted along the Igarra–Auchi Expressway earlier this month.
The rescue followed an extensive security operation involving ground forces, aerial surveillance and intelligence-led tactics coordinated by the Command in collaboration with other security agencies.
Balogun was kidnapped on July 7, 2026, prompting the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, to assure residents that every available operational resource would be deployed to secure his freedom and bring those responsible to justice.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Commissioner immediately directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Innocent Nkeamatara, to lead a reinforcement team from the State Headquarters.
The team comprised operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Police Drone Unit.
The operation also received a significant boost following the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who deployed a police helicopter from Abuja equipped with heavy assault capabilities to provide aerial surveillance and operational support throughout the rescue mission.
The breakthrough came on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, when security operatives intensified clearance operations in Imoga Forest and surrounding areas.
According to the police, the kidnappers abandoned their captive after coming under sustained pressure from advancing security personnel, continuous drone surveillance and repeated helicopter patrols over the forest.
During a preliminary debriefing, the rescued victim reportedly told security operatives that the overwhelming presence of law enforcement officers and the persistent helicopter patrols threw his captors into panic, forcing them to flee and leave him behind.
Balogun has since been taken to a hospital for medical evaluation and has been reunited with his family.
Despite the successful rescue, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the expansion of the ongoing operation to cover other identified forests and criminal hideouts across Edo State.
The renewed offensive, according to the Command, is aimed at flushing out criminal elements, dismantling kidnapping camps, recovering illegal weapons and ensuring that all members of kidnapping syndicates are apprehended and prosecuted.
The Police also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.
The Command equally acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Police Air Wing, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters, describing their collaboration as instrumental to the successful rescue mission.
Reaffirming its resolve to tackle violent crime, the Edo State Police Command said it would sustain intelligence-driven operations against kidnappers and other criminal groups until all parts of the state are rid of criminal activities.
The Command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to improve public safety.
