The Edo State Police Command has announced the successful rescue of all passengers abducted during a kidnapping incident along the Benin–Lagos Road earlier this month.
The command disclosed that the incident occurred on May 9, 2026, at Ogua Community when armed kidnappers attacked a commercial bus belonging to Young Shall Grow Motors carrying 13 passengers from Akwa Ibom State to Lagos.
According to the police, a female passenger was shot during the attack before the kidnappers whisked away several occupants of the vehicle into the bush.
In a statement issued by the command, police authorities said coordinated rescue and bush-combing operations were immediately launched following the incident.
The operation initially led to the rescue of five passengers, including two adults and three children, while security operatives continued efforts to track down the abductors.
The command further revealed that on May 10, additional tactical operations involving drones, aerial surveillance, intelligence-led policing, and technological support enabled officers to engage the kidnappers in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of two more victims.
Police authorities confirmed on Friday that the remaining six abducted passengers had now been rescued unharmed.
Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives involved in the operation for their courage and resilience.
He also assured residents that security personnel were continuing intensive bush-combing operations to apprehend those responsible for the crime.
The command reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across Edo State.
