The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued abducted cattle dealer, Mr. Peter Balogun, popularly known as “Oga Peter,” after an intensive, intelligence-led operation deep inside the Imoga Forest, delivering on its earlier pledge to secure his freedom.
Balogun was kidnapped on July 7, 2026, along the Igarra–Auchi Expressway. In a statement issued on July 9, Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, assured residents that every available operational resource had been mobilised to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.
The rescue mission gathered momentum as the Commissioner deployed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Innocent Nkeamatara, to lead a reinforced tactical team comprising operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), and the Police Drone Unit.
The operation received a major boost following the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who deployed a Police helicopter from Abuja equipped with heavy assault capabilities to provide aerial surveillance and operational support throughout the mission.
The breakthrough came on Wednesday, July 15, when security operatives intensified clearance operations across the Imoga Forest and adjoining areas. Faced with relentless pressure from advancing Police teams, continuous drone surveillance and repeated helicopter patrols, the kidnappers reportedly abandoned their captive and fled deeper into the forest after sighting the aircraft.
During a preliminary debriefing, Balogun disclosed that the sustained presence of security operatives and repeated helicopter patrols threw his abductors into panic, forcing them to flee and leave him behind.
The rescued victim has since been taken to hospital for medical evaluation and has been reunited with his family.
Despite the successful rescue, CP Agbonika has ordered an expansion of the ongoing forest clearance operations across Edo State to eliminate criminal hideouts, dismantle kidnapping camps, recover illegal arms and ensure every member of kidnapping syndicates is tracked down and brought to justice.
The Commissioner praised the courage and professionalism of Police personnel involved in the operation and commended the support of the Nigeria Police Air Wing, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters, whose collaboration proved instrumental to the mission’s success.
The Edo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-driven operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals until every part of the state is free of criminal elements. Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
