Police Rescue 16 Kidnap Victims in Edo with Drones, Local Support

By Diafa Doubra,

The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued 16 kidnapped victims along the ever-busy Benin–Lagos and Benin–Akure highways after deploying drones and working in close collaboration with vigilantes and local hunters.

The victims, mostly travelers, were abducted by armed men who had been terrorizing motorists and commuters in recent weeks. According to the police, the kidnappers ambushed their victims, forced them into the surrounding forests, and demanded ransom from families.

Confirming the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Edo, Funsho Adegboye, said the rescue mission was a joint effort between the command’s tactical team, community vigilantes, and hunters familiar with the terrain. Drones were deployed to track the movement of the kidnappers inside the thick forest, which enabled the operatives to strategically close in without harming the hostages.

“Technology played a key role in this operation. With the help of aerial surveillance, our men were able to identify the kidnappers’ hideouts and surround them, leading to the safe rescue of the victims,” Adegboye explained.

He added that while the victims were rescued unhurt, some of the kidnappers escaped with bullet wounds during the firefight, and efforts are ongoing to track them down.

Families of the rescued victims expressed relief and gratitude to the security agencies, praising their swift response. Some of the freed hostages, visibly shaken, narrated their ordeal, describing the harrowing days spent in captivity without food and under constant threat from their abductors.

The Edo State Governor, Monday okpebholo, also commended the police and community vigilantes for their bravery, reiterating his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity. He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information to curb crime.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a major security challenge across Nigeria, especially along highways, where motorists are frequently targeted. The recent rescue in Edo has been seen as a morale booster for both security forces and citizens, showing how a combination of modern technology and community participation can yield positive results.