The Edo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its ongoing operations against kidnappers, rescuing victims, neutralising a suspect, and foiling an abduction attempt along the Igarra–Ibillo highway.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the Command reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding lives and property across the state.
On 14 October 2025, operatives from the Jattu Division, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, successfully rescued a 12-year-old girl, Blessing Anani, who had been abducted at Ayogwiri Community, Uzairue, in Etsako West Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) after intelligence revealed that a family member, identified as Sunday Idornigie, was being forced to deliver ransom to the kidnappers around the Agenebode axis.
On arrival at the location, officers found Idornigie under attack by one of the suspects armed with a machete. The kidnappers opened fire when police advanced to rescue him, prompting a gun battle. The operatives overpowered the gang with superior firepower, rescuing the victim unhurt while Idornigie sustained machete wounds and was taken for medical treatment.
One of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries and was confirmed dead at Favor Hospital, Afashio. His body has been deposited in the mortuary, while other gang members escaped with suspected gunshot wounds. A blood-stained machete was recovered as investigation continues.
In another operation on 17 October 2025, at about 8:30 p.m., the Command received a distress call about suspected kidnappers operating along the Igarra–Ibillo highway. The DPO Igarra mobilised a rapid response team, including Operation Rescue personnel, to the scene.
On sighting the approaching officers, the gunmen opened fire but were swiftly overpowered and forced to flee into the surrounding bush, abandoning their intended victims — traders returning from Ibillo Market. All victims were rescued unharmed, while bush combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers, as well as the collaboration of vigilantes and local hunters in the operations.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that: “Security is a shared responsibility. Together, we can rid our communities of criminal elements.”
