Police Ambush Kidnappers, Rescue Hostage, Recover N1.5m Ransom in Edo

The Police in Edo State have said a member of a gang of kidnappers has been killed after the gang walked into an ambush by a joint security team while attempting to collect a N1.5m ransom.

The police also said a gun battle ensued, forcing two other suspects to flee into the forest with suspected gunshot wounds, while their victim was rescued unhurt.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the incident occurred around 9:20pm on Thursday in the Onogolo/Oria Forest, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

The victim, Lucky Egbeki, was abducted from Urueun Quarters, Ubiaja, on August 5.
Ikoedem said the operation was carried out by personnel of the Police, Nigerian Army and Edo State Security Network (ESSN).

The joint team, acting on credible intelligence and technical surveillance, positioned itself along the route the kidnappers were expected to use for the ransom collection.

She further stated that as the suspects emerged, they opened fire on the security operatives, triggering a fierce gun duel in the forest.

ASP Ikoedem said one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised during the exchange while two others escaped into the forest with suspected gunshot injuries, as a manhunt was launched for them.

Meanwhile, the security team rescued Egbeki unhurt.
The N1.5m ransom brought for his release was also recovered intact at the scene.

She stated that the victim was reunited with his family after medical evaluated.

“The hostage was rescued without injury, while the entire ransom sum of N1.5m brought for his release was recovered intact at the scene,” ASP Ikoedem said.

The police commended the personnel involved in the operation for their bravery and seamless coordination.

The Command assured residents that it would continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

It also urged members of the public to provide timely and actionable information to security agencies.

The police stressed that sustained public cooperation remained critical to winning the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes in Edo State.