Kidnappers numbering up to Eleven (11) have been arrested by operatives of the Edo State command of the Nigerian Police Force. The police also ensured the release of Six kidnap victims in a series of sting operation across the state.
Eno Ikoedem, the spokesperson of the Edo State police command made this disclosure through an official statement she released on Monday. She said the arrests were made while the police ransacked forests across the state.
“In one of the operations on Saturday, January 24, 2026, operatives of the command, led by CSP Sunday Ehimare, in collaboration with hunters and vigilante groups, conducted a bush-combing exercise along the Benin–Lagos Expressway near Ohosu following credible intelligence that suspected hoodlums had converged in the forest to carry out criminal activities. Upon sighting the security operatives, the suspects opened fire on the team.
“The police operatives responded with superior firepower, which forced the hoodlums to flee into the bush. In the process, one of the fleeing suspects abandoned an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of live ammunition, which was recovered by the operatives. Bush-combing operations in the axis are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent any regrouping.
“Similarly, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, a coordinated drone-assisted bush-combing operation led by CSP Solomon Oseghale was carried out at the Era/Idoha forest axis in Ekpoma, involving police tactical units, the Drone Department, Edo State Security Corps, hunters and vigilante groups.
“Four suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, namely Mohammed Lawal ‘M’ (62), Ashiru Ibrahim (35), Abubakar Umoru (30) and Umoru Ali (35), while other accomplices escaped into the forest with arms.
“Items recovered include two locally fabricated dane guns and four mobile phones. The suspects will be arraigned accordingly upon the completion of investigations.
“In another operation in Okpella, a 58-year-old farmer, Monday Adero of Iddo Quarters, who was kidnapped while on his way to his farm on January 22, 2026, was rescued through a coordinated operation involving vigilantes and hunters working in collaboration with the police.
“The victim was safely rescued and taken to a medical facility for treatment, while one of the injured suspects was subsequently traced, identified as Gehi Ibrahim (24), and arrested. He is currently in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.”
“On the night of January 23, 2026, three persons were kidnapped from their residence at Dr Akerenobo Quarters, Emaudo, Ekpoma. Upon receipt of the distress call, operatives of the command mobilised in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Edo State Security Corps, hunters and other security partners, led by the Area Commander, Ekpoma, ACP Olayemi Jacob.
“The victims, Odion Isideh, Mrs Isideh and Mercy Isideh, were rescued unhurt after intensive bush operations, which led to the suspects taking flight. The victims have been reunited with their families, while efforts are in top gear to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“In another operation at Idoha Pipeline Community in Esan West Local Government Area, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma, arrested a suspected kidnapper, Rabiu Mohammed Bello (31), following reports of suspected armed herders sighted in the community.
“Other suspects fled the scene with their livestock and weapons. The suspect is currently undergoing investigation and will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction after discreet investigation.
“Furthermore, on January 24, 2026, operatives attached to Ewu Division, in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters, rescued a kidnapped couple following a distress call from Ochodo Community.
“The suspects were engaged and dislodged from their hideout at Igun Forest, Agbede, leading to the rescue of the victims unhurt and the arrest of five suspects, namely Nura Ibrahim (22), Suleiman Aruna (23), Usman Abubakar (30), Mohammed Abubakar (32) and Isah Ibrahim (27).
“Items recovered include eight rounds of 9mm live ammunition, nine empty shells, five Android phones and one Qlink motorcycle. The case is under investigation.”
