The Edo State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crimes across the state, with the rescue of an abducted victim, the arrest of three suspected kidnappers, and the neutralization of one gang member during a gun duel in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, the operation was carried out in the early hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026, by operatives of the Command in collaboration with members of the vigilante group.
According to the statement, the operation followed credible intelligence received at about 6:30 a.m., prompting the Divisional Police Officer of Ehor Division and members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) to mobilize to the Eguaholor forest area where the kidnappers were reportedly hiding.
The suspects reportedly engaged security operatives in a fierce gun battle, but were overpowered by the superior firepower and tactical response of the security team.
During the operation, a 56-year-old kidnapping victim, identified as Saturday Enakhimon, who was abducted on May 13, 2026, in Igueben, was rescued unhurt and taken to the hospital for medical attention.
The Police identified the arrested suspects as Bright Junior, 25, from Agbor in Delta State; Salisu Abubakar, 27, from Kano State; and Prince Momodu James, 27, from Auchi, Edo State, who was neutralized during the exchange of gunfire.
Items recovered from the suspects include one motorcycle, a cut-to-size gun, one Android phone, N800,000 cash, three touch-light phones, three empty shell cartridges, two lighters, three ATM cards, a cigarette pack, one wallet, toothpaste, a motorcycle key, a Glo SIM card, and an identity card.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the gallantry and professionalism of the operatives and vigilante members involved in the operation.
He assured residents that the Command remains committed to ridding the state of criminal elements and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.