Edo State Police Command has rescued four persons abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.
The victims were said to have been rescued after security operatives mounted pressure on the suspected kidnappers, who reportedly fled into the surrounding forest.
According to a statement from the Command’ spokesperson , Eno Ikoedem, the incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on July 30, 2026, when information was received that three armed men, reportedly dressed in vigilante uniforms, had barricaded the Ugbokun axis of the Lagos-Benin Expressway, shortly before the military checkpoint.
The suspects were said to have used logs of wood and leaves to block the road before attacking motorists and abducting some of the occupants into the forest.
The statement maintained that following the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Okada Division mobilised a combined security team, comprising police operatives, members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), local hunters and other security partners to commence a rescue operation.
The security team immediately embarked on an extensive search of the surrounding forest, with the operation further supported by drone technology to enhance surveillance and locate the victims.
The Police Command said the sustained pressure from the security operatives compelled the kidnappers to release their captives before escaping into the forest.
The rescued victims were identified as Muritala Babatunde, Bello Aminat, Otor Prince and Yeiyah Gift.
The four victims were rescued unhurt and have since been reunited with their families.
The Edo State Police Command commended the courage, professionalism and cooperation displayed by the security personnel involved in the operation.
The Command also assured residents that it would continue to intensify its offensive against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
It added that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, urging members of the public to assist the Police by providing timely and credible information that could aid the investigation and apprehension of the perpetrators.
