Police rescue abducted cattle dealer from kidnappers’ hideout in Edo

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued an abducted cattle dealer, Peter Balogun, from a kidnappers’ hideout following an intelligence-driven operation in the state.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that Balogun was abducted by suspected kidnappers on July 7, 2026, along the Igarra–Auchi Expressway and was rescued on July 15 after an intensive search operation.

According to Ikoedem, the rescue was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), and the Police Drone Unit.

She explained that the breakthrough came after sustained clearance operations in the Imoga Forest and surrounding areas, where the kidnappers reportedly abandoned their captive after spotting a police helicopter before fleeing deeper into the forest.

The police spokesperson said the suspects were overwhelmed by the sustained pressure mounted by advancing security teams, continuous drone surveillance and persistent aerial patrols.

“During preliminary debriefing, the victim informed the police that the repeated helicopter patrols created panic among his captors, compelling them to hastily abandon him and flee,” Ikoedem said.

She added that Balogun had been safely reunited with his family, while efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.