The Edo Police Secures the Release of Abducted Cattle Dealer, ‘Oga Peter’ after an intensive joint security operation across forests in Edo State.
The rescued victim, Peter Balogun, popularly known as “Oga Peter,” regained his freedom after police operatives increased pressure on his captors.
According to the Edo State Police Command, kidnappers abducted Balogun on July 7, 2026, along the Igarra–Auchi Expressway.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, ordered a full-scale rescue operation. He immediately deployed tactical teams to track the kidnappers and secure the victim’s release.
The operation involved officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit, and the Police Drone Unit. In addition, Assistant Commissioner of Police Innocent Nkeamatara led the reinforcement team during the rescue mission.
The Inspector-General of Police also strengthened the operation. He deployed a police helicopter from Abuja to provide aerial surveillance and operational support.
Meanwhile, security operatives carried out continuous clearance operations in forests believed to serve as criminal hideouts. Officers combined ground patrols with drone surveillance to monitor the movement of the kidnappers.
The breakthrough came on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, during a clearance operation in Imoga Forest.
According to the police, sustained pressure from security personnel forced the kidnappers to flee. As a result, they abandoned Balogun in the forest and escaped.
The rescued cattle dealer later told investigators that the heavy security presence created fear among his captors. He said repeated helicopter patrols and drone surveillance convinced them to abandon him.
Medical personnel examined Balogun after the rescue. Fortunately, he was confirmed to be in stable condition before reuniting with his family.
Commissioner Agbonika has now ordered security teams to expand the operation. Furthermore, officers will continue clearing identified forests and criminal hideouts across Edo State.
The police also plan to dismantle kidnapping camps and arrest suspected gang members operating in remote areas.
The Commissioner praised the commitment of all security agencies involved in the operation. Among them were the Police Air Wing, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters who supported the mission.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant. According to him, timely and credible information from the public remains vital in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Edo Police Secures the Release of Abducted Cattle Dealer, ‘Oga Peter’ operation highlights the growing collaboration among security agencies to tackle insecurity in Edo State. Police assured residents that they will continue offensive operations to protect lives, rescue victims and bring criminal gangs to justice.
