Four people who were abducted along the Lagos-Benin Expressway have been rescued by operatives of the Edo State Police Command following a coordinated security operation.
The victims — identified as Muritala Babatunde, Bello Aminat, Otor Prince, and Yeiyah Gift — were freed after police officers worked alongside other security personnel to track down the kidnappers and secure their release.
According to a statement issued on Friday, August 7, by the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the rescue operation followed a report of an attack carried out by armed men along the Ugbokun axis of the expressway.
The police said the incident occurred on July 30, 2026, at about 10:40 p.m., when a group of armed suspects allegedly blocked the road near a military checkpoint using wooden logs and leaves. The attackers reportedly targeted motorists before taking some passengers into a nearby forest.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Okada Division quickly mobilised a joint security team made up of police operatives, members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, local hunters, and other security partners.
The team carried out an extensive search operation in the surrounding bush, supported by drone technology to improve surveillance and aid the rescue effort.
The police explained that the continued pressure from the security teams forced the kidnappers to abandon their victims and escape into the forest.
The rescued victims were found unharmed and have been reunited with their families, according to the command.
The Edo State Police Command added that efforts were still ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure they face prosecution.
The police also urged residents to continue providing useful and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and apprehending criminals.
