The Nigeria Police Force says five travellers have been rescued less than 24 hours after they were abducted along the Ogbere axis of the Benin–Ore–Sagamu Expressway, in an operation involving security teams from Ogun and Lagos States.
The rescue operation took place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, along the Benin–Ore–Sagamu Expressway near Ogbere, Ogun State, after the victims were abducted on Thursday while travelling from Benin, Edo State, towards Ibadan and Lagos. The operation was carried out by a joint security task force involving operatives from the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, following the intervention of the Nigeria Police Force to track the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims.
The victims were reportedly travelling in three Sienna buses when armed attackers intercepted the vehicles and forced passengers into a nearby forest along the highway.
According to accounts from the rescued passengers, the attackers moved them away from the expressway after the abduction and kept them inside the forest area.
The incident created panic among road users, especially travellers who frequently use the Benin–Ore–Sagamu route, one of the major highways connecting parts of southern Nigeria.
The expressway serves as a major transportation route between Edo, Ogun, Lagos and other parts of the South-West and South-South regions, making security along the route a major concern for commuters and authorities.
After receiving information about the abduction, security operatives began efforts to locate the victims and track the suspected kidnappers.
The police joint task force from Ogun and Lagos States was deployed to the area as part of efforts to rescue the passengers and prevent the suspects from moving them deeper into the forest.
During the rescue operation, the security team engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle, according to police accounts.
The confrontation forced the abductors to abandon the victims and retreat into the surrounding forest.
The five kidnapped passengers were subsequently rescued and taken to safety by the security operatives.
The police said the victims were rescued alive and were taken through necessary procedures after their release.
The identities of the rescued victims were not immediately made public by the authorities.
The police also did not disclose the identities of the suspected kidnappers or confirm whether any arrests had been made following the operation.
Security agencies are expected to continue investigations to track down the individuals responsible for the attack.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about kidnapping and criminal activities along major highways in Nigeria.
Road kidnappings have remained a security challenge in different parts of the country, with criminals often targeting travellers on isolated sections of highways.
Authorities have continued to increase patrols and intelligence operations along major routes in response to repeated attacks.
The Benin–Ore–Sagamu corridor has previously attracted security attention because of concerns over criminal activities affecting motorists and commercial transport operators.
Travellers using major highways have repeatedly called for improved security presence, including more patrol teams and quicker emergency response.
Security experts have often emphasised the importance of intelligence gathering and cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies in preventing highway crimes.
They say early information can assist security teams in responding before criminals move victims into difficult locations.
The rescue operation involving police teams from Ogun and Lagos demonstrates the importance of coordination between different security commands.
Criminal groups often move across state boundaries, making cooperation between neighbouring states important in tackling kidnapping and related crimes.
The Ogun State Police Command has previously carried out operations targeting suspected kidnappers and criminal groups operating within the state.
The Lagos State Police Command has also participated in joint security operations aimed at improving safety along routes connecting Lagos with neighbouring states.
Authorities have repeatedly advised motorists to remain alert while travelling, particularly at night and in areas considered vulnerable to attacks.
Police officials have encouraged members of the public to report suspicious movements and provide information that could assist security operations.
The successful rescue of the five victims has provided relief to their families and other travellers who use the route.
However, the incident has again drawn attention to the wider challenge of ensuring safety on Nigeria’s highways.
While the victims have been rescued, the security agencies still face the task of identifying and arresting those responsible for the attack.
The police are expected to continue investigations and intelligence operations to prevent similar incidents.
The operation also reinforces the role of rapid response in kidnapping cases, where delays can increase risks for victims.
For many Nigerians, the incident shows both the challenges and the importance of sustained security efforts on major transport routes.
The rescue of the five passengers is a positive outcome for the affected families, but the attack remains another reminder of the need for stronger protection of road users.
Authorities say efforts will continue to ensure that travellers can move safely without fear of criminal attacks.
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