The Edo police command says it arrested three suspected kidnappers and killed one during a gun duel in the Eguaholor forest axis of Uhunmwonde LGA.

In a statement on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, said the suspects—Bright Junior (25, from Agbor, Delta), Salisu Abubakar (27, from Kano) and Momodu James (27, from Auchi, Edo)—were linked to kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

Ms Ikoedem said police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes, carried out the operation on Sunday, rescuing an abducted victim unharmed.

According to Ms Ikoedem, Mr James was killed during a gunfight in the Eguaholor forest area.

Ms Ikoedem explained that the operation followed intelligence received at about 6:30 a.m., prompting operatives led by the divisional police officer of Ehor Division, alongside members of the Edo State Security Corps, to mobilise to the area.

“The superior firepower and tactical response of the operatives forced the criminals into disarray, leading to the successful rescue of 56-year-old Saturday Enakhimon, ‘m ’, who was kidnapped on 13/05/206 in Igueben and has been taken to the hospital for medical attention,” added Ms Ikoedem.

Items recovered from the suspects include one motorcycle, a cut-to-size gun, one Android phone, N800,000 cash, three touch-light phones and three empty shell cartridges.

Other items recovered included two lighters, three ATM cards, one cigarette pack, one wallet, one tube of toothpaste, one motorcycle key, a Glo SIM card, and one identity card.