ABEOKUTA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Police Force has rescued five kidnapped passengers along the Benin-Ore-Sagamu Expressway after a joint operation by officers from the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands.
The Police rescue 5 kidnap victims operation was announced on Saturday, June 27, 2026, after the victims were found in a forest near Ogbere, along the highway corridor.
According to police accounts, the victims had been travelling from Benin towards Ibadan and Lagos when armed men intercepted three Sienna buses near Ogbere and forced some passengers into the forest.
A joint police team later traced the abductors to a hideout in the area, leading to a gun battle before the victims were freed.
Police Rescue 5 Kidnap Victims After Gun Battle
Police said the five rescued passengers were recovered unhurt and taken for medical checks before arrangements were made to reunite them with their families.
The force said the operation was carried out by a joint task force involving personnel from the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands.
The police did not provide the names of the rescued victims in the initial account.
It was also not immediately clear from the first statement whether arrests were made or whether any of the suspected kidnappers were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators said efforts were continuing to track other members of the gang.
Abduction Raises Fresh Concern on Highway Security
The Benin-Ore-Sagamu Expressway is one of the major road links between southern Nigeria and the South-West, carrying private motorists, commercial vehicles and long-distance travellers.
The latest rescue comes amid continuing security concerns on major highways, where armed groups have targeted travellers for abduction.
Police said the operation formed part of wider efforts to secure the corridor and prevent criminal gangs from using forested areas near the highway as hideouts.
