The Edo State Police Command says all 13 passengers abducted during an attack on a commercial bus along the Benin–Lagos highway have been rescued.
Police said the incident happened on May 9, 2026, at Ogua Community when gunmen attacked a bus operated by Young Shall Grow Motors. The vehicle was travelling from Akwa Ibom State to Lagos with 13 passengers on board.
According to the command, the attackers opened fire during the operation, injuring a female passenger before taking several victims into the bush.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, said security operatives launched rescue and search operations immediately after the attack.
The command said the first phase of the operation led to the rescue of five passengers, including two adults and three children.
Ikioedem added that operatives, supported by drones, aerial surveillance and intelligence gathering, later engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle on May 10 during an extended rescue mission.
Two more passengers were rescued during the operation, while the remaining six victims were eventually freed unhurt, bringing the total number of rescued passengers to 13.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended officers involved in the operation, praising their efforts during the rescue mission.
He also said the command would continue bush-combing operations aimed at arresting those responsible for the attack.
The police said efforts were ongoing to strengthen security along the Benin–Lagos corridor, which has recorded repeated cases of kidnapping and violent attacks in recent years.
