The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued all 13 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Benin-Lagos expressway, following a major operation that involved aerial surveillance, drones, and bush-combing tactics.
According to a statement issued on Saturday in Benin City by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the passengers were seized on May 9 at Ogua Community, along the busy Benin-Lagos road.
Armed men attacked a commercial bus belonging to the Young Shall Grow Motors, which was travelling from Akwa Ibom to Lagos. A female passenger sustained gunshot wounds during the attack.
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Ms Ikoedem said the police immediately launched a coordinated rescue and bush-combing operation after the incident. Five passengers – two adults and three children – were rescued initially, while security forces remained on the trail of the kidnappers.
She further disclosed that on May 10, operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gunfight, using intelligence-driven policing and technological tools. Two more victims were freed during that encounter.
“Through the deployment of drones, aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven policing, and sustained technological support, operatives of the command engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel and successfully rescued two additional passengers,” she said.
The remaining six abducted passengers have now been rescued unharmed, bringing the total number of freed hostages to 13.
The state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised the courage and resilience of the operatives involved.
He assured residents that the command remained committed to arresting those responsible for the crime.
“The command is not relenting in its efforts, as intensive bush-combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators,” the commissioner said.
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