Police operatives have rescued a kidnap victim and recovered ₦1.5 million in ransom after engaging the suspected abductors in a gun battle. One of the kidnappers was killed during the exchange of fire, while two others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.

Edo is in South-South Nigeria

The Edo State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim, neutralised one suspected kidnapper and recovered ₦1.5 million ransom during a joint forest operation in Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was carried out on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at about 9:20 p.m., following the abduction of a resident of Urueun Quarters, Ubiaja, on August 5.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from Ubiaja Division, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army and members of the Edo State Security Network, acted on credible intelligence and technical surveillance to launch the operation in the Onogolo/Oria Forest.

According to the statement, the joint security team strategically positioned itself along the route identified by the kidnappers for the collection of the ransom.

It said that as the suspects emerged to collect the ransom, they opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest, leading to a gun duel with the security operatives.

One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised during the exchange of fire, while two others reportedly escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.

The police said a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspects.

The victim was rescued unhurt, while the ₦1.5 million ransom brought for his release was recovered intact at the scene.

The police said the victim had been medically evaluated and reunited with his family.

The Command commended the personnel of the police, Nigerian Army and Edo State Security Network for their bravery and seamless collaboration, describing the operation as part of its intensified intelligence-driven efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

It assured residents that all available resources were being deployed to apprehend the fleeing suspects and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and actionable information to security agencies.

The Command reiterated that sustained public cooperation remained crucial to the fight against violent crime.