The Edo State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim and recovered ₦1.5 million ransom during a joint security operation in Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, conducted on Thursday, August 6, 2026, followed the abduction of a resident of Urueun Quarters, Ubiaja, on August 5.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, operatives of the Ubiaja Police Division, working with personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Security Network, acted on credible intelligence and technical surveillance to locate the kidnappers in the Onogolo/Oria Forest.
The security team reportedly positioned itself along the route where the suspects were expected to collect the ransom.
As the kidnappers emerged, they allegedly opened fire while attempting to escape, resulting in a gun battle with the security operatives.
The police said one of the suspected kidnappers was killed during the encounter, while two others reportedly escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
The command said a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspects.
The victim was rescued unhurt, while the ₦1.5 million ransom was recovered intact. He was subsequently medically examined and reunited with his family.
The police commended the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Security Network for their cooperation, describing the operation as part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
It assured the public that efforts were being intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring all those connected with the crime to justice.
