The Edo State Police Command has rescued a kidnap victim, neutralised one suspected kidnapper and recovered N1.5 million ransom during a joint security operation in Esan South-East Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at about 9:20 p.m., involved operatives of the Nigeria Police Force from Ubiaja Division, the Nigerian Army and the Edo State Security Network (ESSN).

The security team, acting on credible intelligence and technical surveillance, stormed the Onogolo/Oria Forest following the abduction of one Mr. Lucky Egbeki of Urueun Quarters, Ubiaja, who was kidnapped on August 5.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the joint team strategically positioned itself along the route identified by the kidnappers for the collection of the ransom after gathering intelligence on their movement.

He said the suspects opened fire when they emerged to collect the ransom, forcing the operatives to engage them in a gun battle.

During the exchange of gunfire, one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while two others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries.

The Police said a coordinated manhunt had been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The operation also resulted in the successful rescue of Egbeki, who was found unhurt. The N1.5 million ransom brought for his release was recovered intact.

The rescued victim was subsequently medically evaluated and reunited with his family.

The Edo State Police Command commended the personnel of the Police, Nigerian Army and Edo State Security Network for their bravery, professionalism and effective inter-agency collaboration.

The Command said the operation demonstrated its renewed commitment to intelligence-driven policing, strategic forest operations and sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

It assured residents that security operatives were deploying all available resources to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

The Police also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and actionable information, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.