Edo State Police Command Rescues Nine Abductees in Massive Tactical Operation

Edo State Police Command successfully rescues five GUO bus passengers and four community residents in a massive tactical operation led by CP Monday Agbonika.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 8:04 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Daily Post Nigeria

Tactical Mobilization Along the Benin–Lagos Axis

The Edo State Police Command has concluded a high-intensity rescue mission resulting in the safe recovery of five passengers abducted from a GUO commercial bus. The victims were intercepted by armed gunmen along the Benin–Lagos Expressway earlier this week, sparking an immediate security response. According to ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, ordered the massive deployment of tactical teams and intelligence assets to the affected corridor. The operation utilized aerial surveillance and strategic ground domination to locate the kidnappers' hideouts and secure the victims without harm.

Successful Forest Raid in Agenebode

In a simultaneous development, security forces extended their operations to the Etsako East Local Government Area, focusing on the Imiegba forest in Agenebode. Operatives successfully rescued four additional victims who had been held in captivity since earlier this month. These individuals, residents of the Imeakabu and Itsukwi communities, were discovered during coordinated bush-combing exercises designed to exert maximum pressure on criminal elements. The rescue brings the total number of persons liberated by the command this weekend to nine, all of whom have been reunited with their families following medical evaluations.

Strengthening Highway Security and Aerial Surveillance

To prevent a recurrence of these highway interceptions, Commissioner Monday Agbonika has announced a significant reinforcement of security deployments along the Benin–Lagos Expressway and its adjoining communities. The command has activated a blend of tactical and operational assets to maintain a constant presence on the route. Agbonika stated that these deployments will remain in place indefinitely to ensure the corridor is completely safe for commuters and commercial transport operators. The use of aerial surveillance is being prioritized to monitor forest fringes that have historically served as transit points for kidnapping syndicates.