The Nigeria Forest Guards and local hunters have rescued a kidnap victim and reportedly killed three suspected kidnappers during a gun battle in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.
The operation followed the abduction of the victim behind the Central Mosque in Igarra at about 11:25 p.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026.
According to a statement by Ayoola Abiola, Sector Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, Sector 2, Igarra, the security team launched a search operation shortly after the incident to track down the abductors and secure the victim’s release.
The team reportedly received a tip-off from a local farmer about the suspected location of the kidnappers. The Department of State Services (DSS), Igarra Division, also provided coordinates believed to correspond with the location, helping the operatives narrow their search.
The search team eventually reached the identified location deep inside the forest at about 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, where the suspected kidnappers allegedly opened fire after sighting the security operatives.
The ensuing exchange of gunfire reportedly left three suspected kidnappers dead, while the victim was successfully rescued.
Items recovered during the operation included three locally fabricated firearms, live cartridges, tramadol, five mobile phones, including the victim’s phone, a power bank, charms and other items.
Following the operation, the Nigeria Forest Guards and local hunters called for urgent collaboration among security agencies to facilitate the recovery and evacuation of the bodies from the forest.
They appealed to the Divisional Police Officer of Igarra, the Sector Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, the Nigerian Army and the DSS, Igarra Division, to provide the necessary support for the operation.
The incident underscores the role of intelligence sharing and cooperation between local communities and security agencies in efforts to combat kidnapping and other criminal activities in Akoko-Edo.
However, the identities of the rescued victim and the deceased suspects were not disclosed in the account of the operation. There was also no independent confirmation of the reported deaths or details of any subsequent police investigation.
