A joint team of security operatives have successfully rescued a 66-year-old man identified as Obareki Emmanuel from kidnappers in a forest in Ibeakuma community of Edo State.

He was kidnapped alongside his wife, who was earlier rescued unhurt on 4 September 2026.

Obareki was rescued on Sunday, 6 September by a joint team of security operatives who tracked the kidnappers to a forest where they were about to receive ransom for Obareki, ASP Eno Ikokodem, the spokesperson for Edo Police Command said in a statement

According to her, the security operatives comprising the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, Edo State Security Corps, 82 Mobile Police Force personnel and Vigilantes moved into the area where the kidnappers were about to receive the ransom leading to the successful rescue of the victim unhurt.

The Police operatives also recovered the ransom money.

The Edo Police spokesperson added that the kidnappers, who engaged the security team in gun duel escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.

She added that bush-combing operations by the police are ongoing to track, arrest and bring the fleeing suspects to justice.

Eno also revealed that the Edo Police Command has initiated investigation into the Sunday morning robbery incident at the residence of Kennedy Odion, State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

She said the armed robbers who reportedly stormed the ADC chieftain residence off Winners Road, Uhie, in Benin City at about 3a.m allegedly carted away four mobile phones, ₦500,000 cash, two Toyota Highlander vehicles and other valuables.

The spokesperson added that CP Patrick Daaor has personally visited the scene of the robbery.

Daaor has also directed immediate, comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.

“The case has been taken over by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), while detectives have processed the scene and commenced investigation,” Eno said.