The Edo State Police Command has rescued several kidnap victims after deploying a surveillance drone to track armed abductors operating in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the command said the rescue followed intelligence-led operations triggered by a reported kidnapping at Egbojo Ikabigbo Community in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer of Jattu Division swiftly mobilised operatives, working alongside local vigilantes and hunters, to respond to the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, subsequently authorised the deployment of the Eagle Combat Drone Unit — a team of drone experts recently trained and equipped by the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo. The mission marked the unit’s first operational rescue deployment.
“At about 4:25am on January 9, 2026, real-time aerial intelligence from the drone led operatives to the kidnappers’ camp,” the statement said. “Ground troops stormed the location, forcing the suspects to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.”
The victims — one adult male, three adult females and five children — were rescued unharmed.
Police described the operation as a landmark achievement, highlighting the growing role of technology in enhancing modern policing and operational efficiency in Edo State.
The command also reported several other successful operations carried out during the week.
On January 8, 2026, operatives recovered a black Toyota Yaris (registration number BEN 952 CL) reportedly stolen at gunpoint along Ugbowo. The vehicle was found along Otorekpen Street, Siloko Road, Benin City. A suspect, Oluwashegun Ajayi, identified as a member of an armed robbery syndicate terrorising the Uwelu area, was arrested. The vehicle owner has since been notified.
In a separate operation, police arrested seven members of an armed robbery gang linked to the killing of a Point-of-Sale operator at MM Way, off Sapele Road, Benin City. Operatives of the Eagle Raiders Squad raided the gang’s hideout on Idahosa Street, off Mission Road, recovering a locally made eight-round revolver, a single-barrel pistol and a white mini-bus (registration number NNE 74XD, Anambra) allegedly used during the robbery.
The command also announced the recovery of a black Lexus 330 SUV stolen during a home invasion on December 25, 2025. One suspect, Victor John, 37, was arrested following intelligence-led operations involving the Ugbowo and Okhoro divisions. Police said the suspect confessed to the crime, and the vehicle has been returned to its owner.
Additionally, one David Okoro, 31, was arrested following a distress call reporting an armed robbery attempt at Ogheghe Community, off Sapele Road Bypass, on December 31, 2025. A cut-to-size single-barrel gun and four cartridges were recovered. Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects.
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