By Davidson Ogbebor

Benin City-The Edo State Police Command has rescued a 66-year-old kidnap victim, Mr. Obareki Emmanuel, from kidnappers in Ibeakuma Forest, recovering the ransom money during a security operation in the area.

The victim was rescued on Sunday, September 6, 2026, two days after his wife, who was abducted alongside him, was earlier rescued unhurt.

The Edo State Police Command said the rescue followed sustained intelligence-led operations, including technical intelligence gathering and bush-combing activities, aimed at locating the kidnappers and rescuing the remaining victim.

According to the police, security operatives tracked the kidnappers to a location within Ibeakuma Forest where they had positioned themselves to collect ransom payment.

At about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Edo State Security Corps, the 82 Mobile Police Force and vigilante groups reportedly moved into the area.

The operation led to the successful rescue of Emmanuel, who was said to have been found unhurt, while the ransom money was also recovered.

Police said the kidnappers engaged the advancing security operatives but escaped deeper into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds.

The Command said bush-combing operations were continuing in the area, with security personnel intensifying efforts to track down, arrest and prosecute the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a robbery incident at the residence of the Edo State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Hon. Kennedy Odion.

The robbery reportedly occurred at about 3 a.m. on September 6 at Odion’s residence off Winners Road in Uhie, Benin City.

The hoodlums were reported to have made away with four mobile phones, ₦500,000 cash, two Toyota Highlander vehicles and other valuables.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Patrick Daaor, PSC(+), MNIPS, personally visited the scene of the robbery and directed an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The case has since been transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, while detectives have processed the crime scene and commenced efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.

The Edo State Police Command said it remained committed to intelligence-led, proactive and collaborative policing, assuring residents that all available resources would continue to be deployed to protect lives and property across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the Command would continue to intensify operations against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes, while pursuing criminal suspects to ensure they are brought to justice.