EDO POLICE COLLABORATES AND DELIVER ON RESCUE PLEDGE SECURE FREEDOM OF ABDUCTED CATTLE DEALER DURING INTENSIVE FOREST OPERATION. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE.

 EDO POLICE COLLABORATES AND DELIVER ON RESCUE PLEDGE SECURE FREEDOM OF ABDUCTED CATTLE DEALER DURING INTENSIVE FOREST OPERATION

It will be recalled that in a press release dated 9th July, 2026, the Command informed members of the public that an intensive rescue operation had been launched following the abduction of Mr. Peter Balogun, popularly known as "Oga Peter," a cattle dealer who was kidnapped on 7th July, 2026, along the Igarra-Auchi Expressway. The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, had assured residents that every available operational asset had been deployed to secure the victim's safe rescue and ensure the arrest of the perpetrators. In fulfilment of that commitment, the Commissioner of Police immediately deployed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Innocent Nkeamatara to lead a reinforcement team from the State Headquarters consisting of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), and the Police Drone Unit from the State Headquarters. The operation was further bolstered by the gracious approval of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM who deployed Police helicopter from Abuja, fuly equipped with heavy assault capabilities, to provide aerial surveillance and operational support throughout the rescue mission. The sustained, intelligence-driven operation recorded a major breakthrough on Wednesday, 15th July, 2026, when security operatives intensified clearance operations within the Imoga Forest and adjoining areas. Unable to withstand the relentless pressure mounted by the advancing Police teams, continuous drone surveillance and the persistent aerial patrol of the Police helicopter, the kidnappers abandoned their captive upon sighting the aircraft and fled further into the forest.

During preliminary debriefing, the rescued hostage recounted that the overwhelming presence of security personnel and the repeated helicopter patrols created panic among his captors, compelling them to hastily abandon him and escape. The victim has since been taken to the hospital for medical attention and reunited with his family Although the safe rescue of the victim represents a significant operational success, CP Agbonika has directed that the ongoing clearance operation be expanded to cover all identified forests and criminal hideouts across State. The objective is to flush out all criminal elements, dismantle kidnapping camps, recover arms where possible, and ensure that every member of kidnapping gangs is brought to justice. The Commissioner of Police commends the resilience, courage and professionalism displayed by all Police personnel involved in the operation, as well as the unwavering support of the Nigeria Police Air Wing, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters whose collaboration contributed immensely to the successful rescue. The Command reassures the good people of Edo State of its commitment to sustaining aggressive, intelligence-led operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals until every pat of the State is cleared of criminal elements. The Command also appreciates residents for their continued cooperation and urges members of the public to remain vigilance and continue to provide timely and credible information to the Police. 

ASP ENO IKOEDEM, anipr, POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, EDO STATE COMMAND. 16th July, 2026.