RismadarVoice Reporters
October 12, 2026
The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of an abducted man, Michael Akano, during a joint security operation in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Sunday, October 11, 2026, took place in the Geo Works forest area of Igarra, near the boundary with Otuo.
The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that the operation involved personnel from the Igarra Police Division, the Nigerian Army’s 195 Battalion, the Department of State Services (DSS), local hunters and the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC).
According to Ikoedem, the security operatives acted on intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Akano, who had reportedly been abducted on October 9.
She explained that the joint team located the suspected kidnappers’ hideout and encountered armed resistance during the operation.
The police said three suspects were killed in the ensuing exchange of gunfire, while other members of the group escaped.
Akano was subsequently rescued unharmed and taken to a hospital for medical examination and necessary care.
The command reported recovering three locally fabricated single-barrel shotguns, eight live cartridges, five spent cartridges, two cutlasses and five mobile phones from the scene.
Ikoedem added that the bodies of the deceased suspects had been deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in Igarra for autopsy.
She said security personnel had intensified efforts to locate and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Reacting to the operation, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, commended the participating security agencies for their coordination and response to the reported abduction.
Daaor reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He also urged residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities and providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.
The police assured the public that information received would be treated promptly as efforts continue to strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
The command has not disclosed the identities of the deceased suspects or announced any arrests in connection with the fleeing members of the group.
