Operatives of the Edo State Police Command, acting in a joint operation alongside other security agencies, have neutralised three suspected kidnappers and rescued a kidnapped victim, Michael Akano. According to single-source reporting by Daily Trust, the rescue took place during the early hours of October 11, 2026.
Collaborative Security Effort
The successful rescue operation was executed by the police in collaboration with personnel from the Nigerian Army’s 195 Battalion, the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters, and members of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC).
According to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the security team acted on credible intelligence and technical support to storm the Geo Works forest bordering Otuo. The victim had been held there following his abduction on October 9, 2026.
Gun Duel and Recovery
Authorities reported that three members of the kidnapping gang were neutralised during a gun duel with the security team, while other suspects managed to escape with gunshot wounds. Michael Akano was rescued unhurt and subsequently taken to a hospital for medical attention.
Investigators recovered several items from the scene, including three locally fabricated single-barrel shotguns, eight live cartridges, five expended cartridges, two cutlasses, and five mobile phones of different brands.
The bodies of the deceased suspects were deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Igarra for autopsy. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are conducting an ongoing bush-combing operation to track down the fleeing suspects.
Call for Public Cooperation
ASP Ikoedem reiterated the command’s dedication to maintaining intelligence-led operations and eliminating safe havens for criminal elements throughout the state. The police have urged residents to continue supplying timely and credible information to security forces, promising that all actionable intelligence will be handled with urgency.