Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued a 57-year-old abducted woman, Mrs. Vivian George, after an aggressive bush combing operation in Igbanke, Edo State.
The victim was rescued unhurt after suspected kidnappers abandoned her during a gun duel with security operatives and local vigilantes in the forest.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, the incident was reported on May 16, 2026, by 18-year-old Chinedu George, who said he and his mother were abducted by gunmen while heading to their farm in Ottah Community, Igbanke. He, however, managed to escape and alerted the police.
Following the report, detectives, operatives of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters launched a rescue operation into the forest.
During the operation, security operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle. The suspects reportedly fled with gunshot injuries due to the pressure mounted by the security team, abandoning the victim at the scene.
Mrs. Vivian George was subsequently rescued and reunited with her family.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, commended the bravery and swift response of the operatives and local security teams involved in the rescue mission.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.