Security operatives yesterday killed three suspected kidnappers on the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi Road in Edo State.
The operatives comprise soldiers, policemen and vigilantes.
The incident occurred at Okwo, Ehor in Uhunmwode Local Government Area.
AfemaiReporters gathered that the kidnappers took over the strategic road to Abuja, but the operatives engaged them in a gun duel.
Motorists and commuters waited for as long as the gunfight lasted.
Travellers are frequently kidnapped for ransom on the road.
There was also a shootout with security operatives on the road on Tuesday in the course of which a motorist was hit on the shoulder by stray bullets.
Not done, the kidnap suspects returned to the highway yesterday morning.
Aside from the three who were shot dead, others escaped into the forest with gunshot injuries.
Edo Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bello Kontongs, a Superintendent of Police (SP), confirmed the incident.
He said there would be no hiding place for criminals in Edo