Police rescue 13 abducted passengers on Benin–Lagos expressway

The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued all 13 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Benin–Lagos Expressway following a coordinated security operation.

Police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday in Benin City, confirming that the victims were freed after days of sustained rescue efforts.

According to her, the passengers were abducted on May 9 at Ogua Community along the Benin–Lagos road when armed men attacked a commercial bus belonging to Young Shall Grow Motors, which was travelling from Akwa Ibom to Lagos.

She added that a female passenger sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.

“Following the incident, the command immediately launched coordinated rescue and bush-combing operations, rescuing five passengers comprising two adults and three children, and has remained on the trail of the kidnappers,” Ikoedem said.

She further explained that operatives intensified efforts using intelligence-driven policing and technological support, including drones and aerial surveillance, which led to a gun duel with the abductors on May 10 and the rescue of two additional victims.

“Through the deployment of drones, aerial surveillance, intelligence-driven policing and sustained technological support, operatives of the command engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel and successfully rescued two additional passengers,” she added.

Ikoedem confirmed that the remaining six abducted passengers were also later rescued unhurt, bringing the total number of freed victims to 13.

She quoted the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, as commending the officers involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism.

Agbonika also assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“The Command is not relenting in its efforts as intensive bush-combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of this crime,” he said.