Edo Police Rescue 13 Kidnap Victims Along Benin–Lagos Highway Amid Renewed Security Concerns

Authorities deploy drones, aerial surveillance and bush-combing operations as abduction crisis continues to haunt one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors

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By Obehi Ojo / May 23, 2026

BENIN CITY, Nigeria —The Nigeria Police Force in Edo State has announced the rescue of all 13 passengers abducted during a violent kidnapping attack along the Benin–Lagos highway, following days of coordinated security operations involving drones, intelligence surveillance, and armed tactical teams.

The incident, which occurred on May 9, 2026, has once again highlighted the persistent insecurity and growing kidnapping threat along Nigeria’s major interstate highways despite repeated security interventions.

According to the Edo State Police Command, the victims were travelling in a commercial bus belonging to Young Shall Grow Motors from Akwa Ibom State to Lagos when gunmen ambushed the vehicle at Ogua Community along the Benin–Lagos Road.

Gunmen Opened Fire During Highway Attack

Police authorities disclosed that the kidnappers opened fire on the bus during the operation, injuring a female passenger before forcefully taking several passengers into nearby forests.

The attack reportedly triggered panic among travellers using the highway, which has repeatedly recorded incidents of armed robbery, kidnappings, and violent assaults in recent years.

Security analysts have consistently identified the Benin–Lagos corridor as one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable transport routes due to dense forest cover, weak rural surveillance, and the mobility of organised criminal gangs operating across state boundaries.

Police Launch Coordinated Rescue Operations

In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikioedem, the command said tactical units immediately launched rescue and bush-combing operations after receiving reports of the attack.

The initial intervention led to the rescue of five victims, including two adults and three children.

Police authorities said rescue efforts intensified the following day as operatives deployed aerial surveillance technology, drones, and intelligence-based tracking to locate the kidnappers’ hideouts.

Security Forces Engage Kidnappers In Gun Battle

According to the command, security operatives later engaged the abductors in a gun duel during sustained rescue missions deep within forest areas surrounding the attack corridor.

Two additional victims were rescued during the operation before the remaining six passengers were eventually freed unharmed.

The police confirmed that all 13 abducted passengers have now been successfully rescued.

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Rising Concerns Over Highway Insecurity

Despite the successful rescue, the incident has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation along major highways connecting southern Nigeria.

Travellers and transport operators have repeatedly raised alarms over increasing attacks targeting commercial buses, private vehicles, and interstate travellers.

Industry observers warn that continued insecurity along transport corridors could negatively impact trade, interstate mobility, tourism, and public confidence in road transportation.

Edo Police Promise Sustained Operations

Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended officers involved in the operation for what he described as courage and operational resilience.

The police chief assured residents that sustained bush-combing and intelligence operations would continue until those responsible for the attack are apprehended.

Authorities also pledged to strengthen surveillance and tactical deployment along the Benin–Lagos axis to prevent future attacks.

Lingering Questions Over Highway Safety

Security experts say the latest incident exposes ongoing gaps in Nigeria’s highway security architecture despite repeated government assurances.

Concerns remain over:

Poor surveillance across forest corridors
Delayed emergency response systems
Limited security checkpoints in vulnerable zones
Mobility of armed kidnapping syndicates
Weak inter-state intelligence coordination

The Benin–Lagos highway has witnessed multiple abduction incidents over the years, prompting calls for stronger federal and regional security strategies.

While the successful rescue of all 13 passengers has brought relief to affected families, the latest attack underscores the continuing danger facing commuters on Nigerian highways.

As authorities intensify efforts to track down the kidnappers, pressure is mounting on security agencies and government institutions to provide lasting solutions to the growing kidnapping crisis threatening national mobility and public safety.