A dramatic rescue operation led by the Edo State Police Command has resulted in the safe recovery of sixteen kidnapped victims who were abducted in two separate highway attacks along the Benin–Lagos and Benin–Akure roads.

The coordinated operations began on August 23, 2025, after armed kidnappers launched surprise attacks on travellers, blocking sections of both highways and seizing multiple victims. As distress calls flooded in, the Edo State Police responded with swift urgency, deploying officers from the Iguobazuwa and Ekiadolor Divisions. They were joined by Tactical Teams, local vigilantes, and hunters, who launched intensive bush-combing missions through difficult terrain in pursuit of the kidnappers.

In a rare show of hands-on leadership, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, took personal command of the mission along the Benin–Akure route. The Police Command also deployed drones and advanced surveillance tools to track movements in the dense forest, adding a strategic edge to the operation.

The efforts quickly paid off. Six victims were rescued along the Benin–Akure axis on the day of the attack, one of whom had suffered a gunshot wound and was rushed to safety by passers-by. Later that same day, three victims were rescued along the Benin–Lagos route. By the evening of August 25, an additional seven victims from the Benin–Akure incident were freed, bringing the total number of rescued hostages to sixteen.

Commissioner Agbonika praised the professionalism and courage of the operatives, as well as the vital support from local security collaborators. He emphasized that the success of the mission was a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when communities and law enforcement work hand in hand.

Determined to keep the pressure on criminal elements, the Police Chief reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating violent crime across the state. He assured the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue any remaining victims and bring all those responsible to justice.

The Edo State Police Command remains firm in its resolve to protect lives and property, and continues to encourage public cooperation and vigilance as the fight against insecurity presses on.