Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued two kidnap victims following a fierce gun duel with suspected abductors in parts of Edo State.
The victims, identified as Musibau Kehinde Tracy and Edewor John, were rescued during a coordinated police ambush operation carried out in the state.
The development was disclosed on Monday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, in a statement made available to journalists in Benin City.
According to the police spokesperson, the victims were abducted around the Izakagbo/Iwu community in Ovia North-East Local Government Area before security operatives launched a swift operation to track down the kidnappers.
Ikoedem explained that the rescue followed heightened security measures ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Monday Agbonika, after reports of kidnapping activities within the affected communities.
She noted that the police leadership had directed an immediate intensification of security operations and intelligence-driven policing across the axis to curb criminal activities and ensure the safety of residents.
The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that following recent security concerns and reported kidnapping incidents around Izakagbo/Iwu community and its environs, the Commissioner of Police ordered an immediate intensification of operational deployments and intelligence-driven policing across the affected areas,” the statement said.
She explained that the strategy soon began yielding results.
According to her, on April 5, 2026, operatives of the command successfully intercepted suspected kidnappers during a carefully coordinated ambush operation at Iyera, located along the pipeline route after the Ovia River.
The encounter reportedly led to an exchange of gunfire between the police and the kidnappers.
Despite the confrontation, the police were able to rescue the two victims without sustaining injuries.
Through a well-coordinated ambush operation carried out by operatives of the Command, suspected kidnappers were intercepted at Iyera along the pipeline after the Ovia River,” Ikoedem said.
This led to an exchange of gunfire, during which two kidnapped victims, Musibau Kehinde Tracy, 24, and Edewor John, 39, were successfully rescued unhurt.”
She added that the rescued victims are currently in protective custody where they are receiving necessary care and support from the authorities.
The police spokesperson also disclosed that the families of the victims had been contacted and informed about the successful rescue operation.
Meanwhile, security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects who escaped during the gun battle.
Ikoedem assured residents that the police command remains committed to restoring peace and security in the area and across the state.
She emphasized that the safety of citizens, particularly those living in Izakagbo/Iwu and nearby communities, remains a top priority for the police authorities.
The Command reassures the good people of Edo State, particularly residents of Izakagbo/Iwu and surrounding communities, that their safety remains our utmost priority,” she stated.
She further stressed that the command would not relent in its efforts until all the perpetrators involved in the kidnapping are apprehended and brought to justice.
The police also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in combating criminal activities.
Authorities say community cooperation remains a vital tool in tackling crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery, which have become a major security concern in several parts of Nigeria in recent years.
Residents of the affected communities have been urged to report suspicious movements or activities around them as security agencies continue operations to dismantle criminal networks operating within the area
