The Nigeria Police Force in Edo State has announced that it has successfully rescued a kidnapped man and neutralized three suspected kidnappers during a joint security operation in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area. The operation, conducted at 2 a.m. on Sunday, was a response to the abduction of Michael Akano on October 9. According to the police, the operation was carried out in the Geo Works bushes and forest bordering Otuo, following credible intelligence and technical support.
The joint security team comprised police operatives from Igarra Division, personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 195 Battalion, operatives of the State Security Service, local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps. The police stated that the operation resulted in a gun duel, during which three suspected members of the kidnapping gang were killed while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The victim, Mr. Akano, was rescued unhurt and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The police recovered several items from the scene, including three locally fabricated single-barrel shotguns, eight live cartridges, five expended cartridges, two cutlasses, and five mobile phones of different brands. The bodies of the three suspected kidnappers were deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Igarra for autopsy. A bush-combing operation is ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Patrick Daaor, commended the joint security team for its swift response and collaboration. He stated that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations to deny criminal groups safe havens across the state. Mr. Daaor also called on residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that actionable intelligence would be treated urgently.
The Edo State Police Command has been actively engaging in efforts to combat kidnapping in the state. In May, the command arrested 55 kidnap suspects and rescued 58 victims. In March, 87 suspected kidnappers were arrested while 30 victims were rescued. These efforts demonstrate the command's commitment to addressing the issue of kidnapping in the state.
The police operation in Igarra is a significant success in the fight against kidnapping in Edo State. The use of credible intelligence and technical support was crucial in locating and rescuing the victim. The collaboration between different security agencies and local hunters also highlights the importance of synergy in addressing security challenges.
The Edo State Police Command's efforts to combat kidnapping have yielded significant results, with several suspects arrested and victims rescued in recent months. The command's commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations is expected to further enhance its efforts to deny criminal groups safe havens across the state.
Key points
- The Edo State Police Command has arrested 142 kidnap suspects and rescued 146 victims in the past few months.
- The police operation in Igarra was a joint effort involving multiple security agencies and local hunters.
- The Commissioner of Police has assured residents that the command will continue to engage in intelligence-led operations to combat kidnapping.
