The operatives of the Edo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of nine abducted victims from two separate kidnapped incidents along the Benin–Lagos corridor and adjoining forest areas thereby bringing relief to the families.
The image maker of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem disclosed the rescue in a statement issued on Friday night.
Ikoedem said the success was achieved following the immediate and massive deployment of tactical teams, intelligence assets, aerial surveillance, and other operational resources by the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, to the affected corridors.
ASP Ikoedem stressed that the sustained rescue efforts, coordinated bush-combing operations, and strategic domination of the area exerted pressure on the kidnappers ultimately leading to the safe rescue of all victims.
The rescued victims have since received medical evaluation and treatment and reunited with their families, she added.
Recall that the driver of the GUO motors was shot dead on the spot along Ore-Benin Express way and other passengers of the bus were kidnapped.
In the same manner, the command confirmed the successful rescue of four other kidnapped victims who were abducted earlier this month and held in captivity within the Imiegba forest in Agenebode.
“They have likewise received medical attention and are safe, making a total of nine kidnapped victims rescued,” the command stated.
The command reassured the public, particularly commuters and residents, that security deployment along the Benin–Lagos Expressway and adjoining communities has been significantly strengthened.
It said tactical, intelligence, and operational assets have been fully activated across the axis, adding that these deployments would remain in place until the route is completely safe and secure for all road users.
The command stressed that it has intensified efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
“We are confident that all those involved will be tracked down and brought to justice in the shortest possible time,” the statement said.