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The Edo State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim and neutralised three suspected kidnappers during a joint security operation in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
In a Sunday statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the operation was carried out at about 2:00 a.m. on October 11, 2026, following credible intelligence and technical support.
She said a joint team comprising operatives from Igarra Division, the Nigerian Army 195 Battalion, the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), stormed the Geo Works bushes and forest bordering Otuo where a victim, Michael Akano, was being held.
Akano was abducted on October 9, 2026, according to the police.
Ikoedem said three suspected members of the kidnapping gang were neutralised during a gun duel, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
The victim was rescued unhurt and taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Exhibits recovered from the scene include three locally fabricated single-barrel shotguns, eight live cartridges, five expended cartridges, two cutlasses and five mobile phones of different brands.
The bodies of the neutralised suspects have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary, Igarra, for autopsy.
The police said bush-combing operations are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, commended the joint security team for its swift response and effective collaboration.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and denying criminal elements safe havens across the state, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
