Helicopter, Drones and Joint Security Teams Force Kidnappers to Abandon Victim in Imoga Forest
The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued a kidnapped cattle dealer, Mr. Peter Balogun, popularly known as “Oga Peter,” following an intensive intelligence-led operation involving police tactical teams, aerial surveillance and other security agencies.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the victim was abducted on July 7, 2026, along the Igarra–Auchi Expressway.
Following the incident, Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, ordered a large-scale rescue operation and deployed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Innocent Nkeamatara, to lead a reinforcement team comprising the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the Police Drone Unit.
The operation received additional support from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who approved the deployment of a Nigeria Police helicopter from Abuja to provide aerial surveillance and operational support throughout the mission.
The breakthrough came on July 15, 2026, during intensified clearance operations in the Imoga Forest and surrounding areas. According to the police, sustained pressure from advancing ground troops, continuous drone surveillance and repeated helicopter patrols forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee deeper into the forest.
During debriefing, the rescued victim reportedly told security operatives that the overwhelming presence of security personnel and repeated helicopter patrols created panic among his captors, compelling them to flee without him.
The victim has since been reunited with his family after receiving medical attention.
Although the rescue operation was successful, CP Agbonika directed that the ongoing clearance operation be expanded to all identified forests and criminal hideouts across Edo State to dismantle kidnapping camps, recover illegal arms and apprehend fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police commended the professionalism and resilience of officers involved in the operation, as well as the support of the Nigeria Police Air Wing, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters.
He also reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive intelligence-led operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
