Three suspected kidnappers have been killed in a joint security operation in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, while a man abducted on October 9, Michael Akano, was rescued unhurt, the police have said.
The operation, which took place at about 2 a.m. on Sunday, followed the abduction of the victim, identified as Michael Akano, on 9 October.
The police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, an assistant superintendent of police, disclosed this in a statement published on the command’s Facebook page on Sunday.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted in the Geo Works bushes and forest bordering Otuo following credible intelligence and technical support.
The joint security team comprised police operatives from Igarra Division, personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 195 Battalion, operatives of the State Security Service, local hunters and members of the Edo State Security Corps.
“During the operation, three suspected members of the kidnapping gang were neutralised in a gun duel while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” the statement said.
The police said Akano was rescued unhurt and taken to a hospital for medical attention.
Security operatives reportedly recovered three locally fabricated single-barrel shotguns, eight live cartridges, five expended cartridges, two cutlasses and five mobile phones of different brands from the scene.
The bodies of the three suspected kidnappers were deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Igarra for autopsy, according to the statement.
The command added that a bush-combing operation was ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Patrick Daaor, commended the joint security team for its swift response and collaboration.
He said the command would sustain intelligence-led operations to deny criminal groups safe havens across the state.
Daaor also urged residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, assuring them that actionable intelligence would receive urgent attention.
