A joint security team has rescued a kidnapped resident in Edo State after confronting suspected kidnappers during a ransom collection operation in Esan South-East Local Government Area.
The operation, which took place around 9:20 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, also resulted in the death of one suspected kidnapper and the recovery of ₦1.5 million allegedly demanded as ransom.
The victim was abducted from Urueun Quarters in Ubiaja on Wednesday, August 5.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the development in a statement, saying the operation followed intelligence gathered by security agencies.
Personnel from the Ubiaja Police Division worked alongside soldiers of the Nigerian Army and members of the Edo State Security Network to track the suspects to the Onogolo/Oria Forest.
The security team reportedly identified the location where the kidnappers planned to collect the ransom and deployed operatives around the area.
When the suspects arrived, they allegedly opened fire after noticing the presence of security personnel.
The operatives responded, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which one suspect was killed.
Two other suspects reportedly escaped into the forest, with the police believing they may have sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.
The Command said efforts were underway to locate and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The kidnapped resident was found unharmed and immediately taken to safety, while the entire ₦1.5 million ransom was recovered by the security team.
The victim later underwent medical evaluation before being reunited with family members.
The Edo Police Command praised the security personnel involved for their coordinated response and described the operation as another step in its intelligence-led campaign against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Command said it would continue deploying personnel and intelligence resources to disrupt criminal networks across the state.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly share credible information with security agencies to assist ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities.
