Police Rescue 13 Victims Kidnapped Along Benin–Lagos Expressway

The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued all 13 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Benin–Lagos expressway, following a coordinated operation involving aerial surveillance, drones, and intensive bush-combing tactics.

The command spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday in Benin City.

According to her, the victims were abducted on May 9 at Ogua Community along the Benin–Lagos road when armed men attacked a commercial bus belonging to Young Shall Grow Motors, which was travelling from Akwa Ibom to Lagos. During the attack, a female passenger sustained gunshot injuries.

She said the police immediately launched a rescue operation after the incident, combining ground and intelligence-led strategies to track the kidnappers.

“Following the incident, the command immediately launched coordinated rescue and bush-combing operations, rescuing five passengers comprising two adults and three children, and has remained on the trail of the kidnappers,” Ikoedem stated.

She added that operatives later intensified efforts using drones, aerial surveillance, and intelligence support, which led to a gun duel with the kidnappers on May 10 and the rescue of two additional victims.

“Through the deployment of drones, aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven policing and sustained technological support, operatives of the command engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel and successfully rescued two additional passengers,” she said.

According to the police, the remaining six abducted passengers have now been safely rescued without further harm.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, praised the operatives for their bravery and commitment, assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

He reaffirmed that the command remains committed to flushing out criminal elements and ensuring the safety of commuters across the state.