Edo State Police Command has rescued an abducted cattle dealer, Mr. Peter Balogun, popularly known as “Oga Peter,” following an intensive intelligence-led operation in the Imoga Forest and surrounding areas.

Balogun was kidnapped on July 7, 2026, along the Igarra–Auchi Expressway, prompting the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, to launch a large-scale rescue operation and assure residents that every available operational asset would be deployed to secure his release.

According to the Police, the Commissioner immediately deployed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Innocent Nkeamatara, to lead a reinforcement team comprising operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit and the Police Drone Unit.

The operation also received support from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who approved the deployment of a police helicopter from Abuja to provide aerial surveillance and operational support throughout the rescue mission.

Police said the breakthrough came on Wednesday, July 15, during intensified clearance operations in the Imoga Forest, when sustained ground assaults, drone surveillance and helicopter patrols forced the kidnappers to abandon their captive and flee deeper into the forest.

During debriefing, the victim reportedly told security operatives that the persistent presence of police personnel and repeated helicopter patrols created panic among the kidnappers, forcing them to flee and leave him behind.

The rescued cattle dealer has since received medical attention and has been reunited with his family.

Despite the successful rescue, the Commissioner of Police has ordered an expansion of the ongoing clearance operation to cover identified forests and criminal hideouts across Edo State, with the aim of dismantling kidnapping camps, recovering weapons and apprehending fleeing suspects.

CP Agbonika commended the professionalism and resilience of the police personnel involved in the operation and appreciated the support of the Nigeria Police Air Wing, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters whose collaboration contributed to the rescue.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes, while urging residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.