The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued a kidnap victim and neutralised three suspected kidnappers during a joint security operation in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement released on Monday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that the operation took place at about 2 a.m. on Sunday. It followed days of intelligence gathering and technical support that led operatives to the Geo Works bushes and forest bordering Otuo, where the victim, identified as Michael Akano, was being held captive.
According to the police, Akano was abducted on Friday. The rescue mission involved a multi-agency team comprising operatives from the Igarra Police Division, personnel of the Nigerian Army 195 Battalion, the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and members of the Edo Security Corps (ESSC).
During a fierce gun duel at the hideout, three suspected members of the kidnapping gang were neutralised, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Security forces recovered several items from the scene, including three locally fabricated single-barrel shotguns, eight live cartridges, five expended cartridges, two cutlasses, and five mobile handsets of different brands.
The bodies of the neutralised suspects have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Igarra for autopsy. Bush-combing operations are still ongoing in the area to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Patrick Daaor, commended the joint security team for their swift response, effective collaboration, and courage during the operation. He reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at denying criminal elements any safe haven across Edo State.
Daaor also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.