Police Kill Three Kidnappers, Rescue Abducted Man in Edo State

A joint security team has killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued an abducted man, identified as Michael Akano, during an operation in the Geo Works bushes and forest in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

The operation involved police officers from Igarra Division, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 195 Battalion, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC).

Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed in a statement that the operation was carried out early on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

According to Ikoedem, the security team acted on credible intelligence and technical support to raid the forest bordering Otuo, where Akano had been held since his abduction on October 9, 2026.

She said three suspected members of the kidnapping gang were killed during a gun battle, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Akano was rescued unharmed and taken to a hospital for medical attention.

Items recovered from the forest included three locally made single-barrel shotguns, eight live cartridges, five spent cartridges, two cutlasses and five mobile phones of different brands.

Ikoedem said the bodies of the three suspects have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Igarra for autopsy, while security operatives continue to comb the surrounding bushes to track down and arrest the suspects who fled.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Patrick Daaor, commended the joint security team for its swift response, coordination and courage during the operation. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations and preventing criminal groups from using parts of the state as safe havens.

“The command urges residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring the public that every actionable intelligence will be treated with the urgency it deserves, as the command remains resolute in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes,” Ikoedem said.