Operatives of the Edo State Police Command, in Collaboration with Military and Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), have neutralised a suspected kidnapper and rescued a victim in Edo State.

The security team also recovered N1.5 million ransom paid to regain the victim’s freedom during the operation

It was gathered that the suspect was rescued after a gun battle with the kidnappers at a forest in Ubiaja, Esan South East Local Government of the State.

The Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the police received information that one Mr. Lucky Egbeki of Urueun Quarters, Ubiaja, was kidnapped on 5th August, 2026, in his farm and whisked him into the bush.

She said on August 6, 2026, the security team, acting on credible intelligence and technical surveillance, launched a coordinated rescue operation in the Onogolo/Oria Forest aimed at rescuing the victim

According to her, the joint security team positioned itself along the route identified for the ransom collection after painstaking intelligence gathering.

She said the kidnappers emerged from the bush to receive the ransom and immediately opened fire in a desperate attempt to evade arrest after noticing that they had been ambushed.

Ikoedem said the operatives responded, leading the death of one of the suspected kidnappers during a gun battle while two other members of the gang escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries.

She said a manhunt had since been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

Ikoedem said the operation led to the rescue of the captive unhurt while the ₦1.5 million ransom brought to effect the victim’s release was recovered.

She assured residents that every available resource was being deployed to arrest the fleeing suspects. (Daily Trust)