The Edo State Police Command says it has rescued 11 persons abducted by suspected kidnappers from their farms in Ogbido Community, Iyahmo, Etsako East Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were rescued during a coordinated operation carried out by operatives of the Iyahmo Division, alongside local vigilantes and hunters, following a distress call received on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, the rescue team immediately launched a search operation in the surrounding forest where the victims were believed to have been taken.
The statement said the operatives later encountered the kidnappers, leading to a gun duel.
“Overwhelmed by the superior firepower and tactical response of the operatives, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled into the forest,” it stated.
The rescued victims—nine males and two females—were found unharmed.
Police said they were taken to a medical facility for examination before being reunited with their families.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives, vigilantes and hunters for their swift response and gallantry during the operation.
He assured residents that security operations across the area had been intensified, adding that the Command remained committed to safeguarding lives and property.
Agbonika also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support the fight against crime.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
