Edo Police Rescue Kidnap Victim in Igarra, Kill 3 Suspects

The Edo State Police Command says it has rescued a kidnap victim and killed three suspected kidnappers in a joint security operation in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

 

The command's Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, gave the account in a statement on Monday.

 

According to Ikoedem, the operation took place at about 2 a.m. on Sunday after intelligence gathering and technical support led security operatives to the Geo Works' bushes and a forest bordering Otuo.

 

The victim, identified as Michael Akano, was being held there. He was reportedly abducted on Friday, she said.

 

The spokesperson said the operation brought together police operatives from the Igarra Division, personnel of the Nigerian Army 195 Battalion, the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and members of the Edo Security Corps (ESSC).

 

Three suspected members of the gang were killed in an exchange of gunfire, according to the police, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

 

"Three suspected members of the kidnapping gang were neutralised during a gun duel, while others escaped with gunshot wounds," Ikoedem said.

 

Ikoedem listed the items the police said were recovered from the scene.

 

"Exhibits recovered from the scene include three locally fabricated single-barrel shotguns, eight live cartridges, five expended cartridges, two cutlasses and five mobile handsets of different brands.

 

"The bodies of the neutralised suspects have been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary, Igarra, for autopsy.

 

"Bush-combing operation is still ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects," she said.

 

The spokesperson quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, as commending the joint security team for what he described as "swift response, effective collaboration and courage" during the rescue.

 

Daaor reiterated the command's commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations and denying criminals safe havens across the state.

 

He also urged residents to give security agencies timely and credible information to help in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.