Police rescue nine kidnap victims in Edo’s first Drone-led Operation

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crime with the rescue of nine abducted victims through the state’s first-ever drone-led rescue operation.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, disclosed on Saturday that the operation, powered by real-time aerial intelligence, led to the safe rescue of one adult male, three adult females and five children, all unharmed.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, the operation was carried out in the early hours of January 9, 2026, at Egbojo Ikabigbo Community in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government Area.

Acting on live drone surveillance, operatives located the kidnappers’ camp at about 4:25 a.m., prompting ground troops to storm the location. The suspects fled on sight, abandoning two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

The rescue was executed by the Eagle Combat Drone Unit, a specialised team of drone experts recently trained and equipped by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

CP Agbonika described the mission as a landmark achievement that underscores the growing role of technology in modern policing and sets a new operational benchmark for Edo State.

Beyond the drone operation, the command also recorded several other significant arrests during the week.

Police apprehended seven suspects linked to the murder of a Point-of-Sale operator along MM Way, off Sapele Road, Benin City.

The suspects were arrested following investigations by the Eagle Raiders Squad, which also uncovered an armoury at Idahosa Street, off Mission Road. Recovered items included a locally made eight-round revolver, a single-barrel pistol and a white mini-bus allegedly used for the crime. The suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the Supreme Eiye Confraternity cult.

In another operation, police arrested an armed robbery suspect, Oluwashegun Ajayi, and recovered a black Toyota Yaris earlier snatched at gunpoint along Ugbowo.

The vehicle was found along Otorekpen Street, Siloko Road, Benin City, and has since been returned to its owner.

The command also recovered a black Lexus 330 stolen during a Christmas Day robbery in 2025. One suspect, Victor John, aged 37, was arrested and reportedly confessed to his role in the crime.

Additionally, operatives arrested a woman, Martina Dachung, who allegedly connived with others to sell her newborn baby for ₦1.4 million. The baby was rescued safely, while other suspects, including a medical practitioner, were taken into custody.

Agbonika assured residents that the Edo State Police Command will sustain its offensive against criminal elements and urged the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support security efforts across the state.