The operations, bolstered by advanced technology and community synergy, have been hailed as a significant blow to criminal activities plaguing Edo State’s highways.On Saturday, August 23, 2025, at approximately 5:30 p.m., armed kidnappers blocked the Benin-Ore Expressway near Ekhiadolor, attacking a bus and abducting 13 passengers. 

The assailants shot and abandoned the bus driver beside the vehicle before forcing the victims into nearby bushes. In a separate incident around 6:00 p.m. that day, three additional passengers were kidnapped along the Benin-Lagos Road.

CSP Moses Yamu, spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, detailed the rescue efforts in a statement released on Tuesday, August 26. 

“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the successful rescue of sixteen (16) kidnapped victims in separate coordinated operations carried out along Benin-Lagos and Benin-Akure Roads,” Yamu announced.

Following distress calls, police operatives from Iguobazuwa and Ekiadolor Divisions, supported by tactical teams, vigilantes, and local hunters, launched intensive bush-combing operations. 

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, personally led the rescue mission along the Benin-Akure axis, demonstrating hands-on leadership. 

The command deployed advanced technical support, including drones, which played a critical role in locating the victims and coordinating the operations.

The efforts yielded swift results: six victims were rescued along the Benin-Akure Road, while one passenger, who sustained a gunshot injury during the initial attack, was saved by public-spirited individuals and is receiving medical treatment. 

Three others were freed along the Benin-Lagos Road. On the evening of August 25, an additional seven victims from the Benin-Akure kidnapping were safely rescued, bringing the total to 16.CP Agbonika praised the operatives, vigilantes, and hunters for their gallantry and professionalism, highlighting the effectiveness of collaboration between law enforcement and community structures. 

“This synergy continues to prove effective in tackling violent crime,” he noted. He also assured the public that efforts to rescue any remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators are ongoing, with the command deploying all available resources to ensure justice.

The successful rescues have sparked reactions on platforms like X, where users commended the police and their partners for their swift action while calling for sustained efforts to secure Nigeria’s highways. 

The use of drones in the operation has been particularly noted as a game-changer in combating kidnapping in the region.“We are determined to rid our highways and communities of violent crime,” Agbonika reiterated. 

“The Edo State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to protect lives and property, and we call on the public to continue supporting our efforts to secure our communities.” 

The command urged residents to report suspicious activities, reinforcing its commitment to making Edo State a hostile environment for criminals.