The Edo State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim and recovered ₦1.5 million in ransom during a joint security operation in Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.
One suspected kidnapper was killed during a gun battle with security operatives, while two others reportedly escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.
The operation took place at about 9:20 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, following the abduction of a resident of Urueun Quarters, Ubiaja, on August 5.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, operatives from the Ubiaja Police Division, working with personnel of the Nigerian Army and members of the Edo State Security Network, acted on intelligence and technical surveillance to locate the suspects in the Onogolo/Oria Forest.
The security team reportedly positioned itself along the route the kidnappers had designated for the ransom collection.
The police said the suspects opened fire when they arrived to collect the ransom, prompting security operatives to return fire.
One of the suspects was killed during the exchange, while two others fled into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.
The command said a manhunt was underway to locate and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The victim was rescued unhurt, while the ₦1.5 million ransom brought for his release was recovered intact.
The police said the victim was taken for medical evaluation before being reunited with his family.
The command commended the police, Army and Edo State Security Network personnel involved in the operation, saying their collaboration contributed to the successful rescue.
It said the operation was part of its intelligence-led efforts to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
The police also urged residents to provide timely information that could assist security agencies in tracking criminal suspects.
The command said continued cooperation between residents and security agencies remained important to efforts to reduce violent crime in Edo State.
