Police rescue four as gunmen disguised as vigilantes abduct travellers in Edo

Three armed men allegedly dressed in vigilante uniforms have reportedly attacked motorists and abducted some occupants into the forest in Edo State.

DAILY POST reports that ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Benin City.

Ikoedem said the incident occurred on July 30, 2026 at about 10:40 pm at Ugbogun axis along the Lagos-Benin Expressway before the military checkpoint.

She said the armed men blocked the expressway with logs of wood and leaves before attacking motorists.

She explained that on receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Okada Division, immediately mobilised a combined team of Police operatives including members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, VGN, local hunters and other security partners to the scene.

“The operatives immediately embarked on an aggressive bush-combing operation, enhanced by drone technology to search and aid the rescue mission.

“The Command successfully rescued four kidnapped hostages following a coordinated rescue operation by its operatives and other security stakeholders.

“The sustained pressure mounted on the criminals forced them to release their captives and flee,” she added.

The command’s spokesperson gave the names of the rescued victims as Muritala Babatunde, Bello Aminat, Otor Prince and Yeiyah Gift.

She added that the victims who were rescued unhurt have since been reunited with their families.

Meanwhile, the command commended the bravery, professionalism and synergy exhibited by all personnel involved in the operations.