Benin–Ore and Benin–Lagos roads security boost as Edo Police and vigilantes rescue 16 kidnapped passengers from gunmen in coordinated operations.
The Edo State Police Command, working in close synergy with local vigilantes and community hunters, has successfully rescued sixteen kidnapped passengers in separate coordinated operations along the Benin–Ore Expressway and the Benin–Lagos Expressway.
The incident that triggered the massive security response occurred on Saturday, August 23, 2025, around Ekhiadolor on the Benin–Ore Expressway.
Armed men intercepted a commercial bus, shooting the driver and abandoning him beside the vehicle before leading thirteen passengers into the surrounding bushes.
The shocking attack left residents and travellers in fear, prompting immediate security mobilization.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, August 26, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Yamu, explained that while thirteen passengers were initially abducted, additional cases of kidnapping were later reported along the Benin–Lagos axis, bringing the total to sixteen.
According to the Command’s account, distress calls were received at about 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on the day of the incident.
Security operatives from the Iguobazuwa and Ekiadolor Divisions, supported by tactical teams, vigilantes, and local hunters, immediately swung into action, combing the forests rigorously to track down the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.
Demonstrating personal commitment, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, directly led one of the operations along the Benin–Akure corridor.
To enhance coordination and precision, the Command deployed advanced technical support, including surveillance drones, which played a crucial role in the rescue operations.
The combined operations yielded remarkable breakthroughs. Six victims were rescued along the Benin–Akure Road, including one passenger who had sustained gunshot wounds and was rescued by public-spirited individuals.
That victim, according to police, is currently receiving medical treatment and responding well. On the same stretch of road, an additional seven kidnapped victims regained their freedom on the evening of August 25, 2025.
Similarly, three other victims abducted along the Benin–Lagos Road were safely rescued during the joint operations.
CP Agbonika commended the gallantry, professionalism, and resilience of the police operatives, noting also the indispensable contributions of vigilantes and local hunters whose knowledge of the terrain proved invaluable.
He emphasized that the synergy between formal security agencies and community-based structures continues to deliver positive results in the fight against violent crime.
Reassuring the public, the Commissioner vowed that the Command would not rest until every last victim is rescued and the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We are determined to rid our highways and communities of violent crime,” CP Agbonika said.
“Our Command will continue to deploy every resource—human, technological, and tactical to guarantee the safety of residents and travellers across Edo State.”
The Police Command further urged members of the public to maintain trust in law enforcement and continue to provide useful information that will help secure communities.
“Together, we can ensure that criminals find no hiding place within Edo State,” the statement concluded.