Recent Operations Target Kidnapping Networks in Edo State
The Edo State Police Command has made significant progress in combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state. Recently, their operatives arrested three suspected kidnappers, one of whom is a native of the Niger Republic, and neutralized another during operations conducted in the region.
A statement released by the Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, detailed the events that unfolded during these operations. According to the statement, one suspect was neutralized when a four-man gang engaged the police in a gunfight. Three other suspects managed to escape, but the police are actively pursuing them. Additionally, arms were recovered from the suspects’ hideout located in the forest.
Strategic Deployment in Edo Central
It would be recalled that earlier this year, following disturbing reports of kidnapping incidents in surrounding communities in Edo Central, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, personally led a strategic operational deployment to Edo Central. The operation spanned six days, from 16th to 22nd February 2026, during which security assessments were conducted, operational approaches were restrategized, and personnel were repositioned for more effective policing.
Forests around Ubiaja were identified as key areas of security concern and were placed under intensified surveillance and operational focus. Since the strategic deployment and operational restructuring, Ubiaja Division has continued to record notable successes in the fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Arrests and Confessions
One of the breakthroughs occurred on 17th February 2026 at about 18:00hrs when operatives of Ubiaja Division arrested a suspected kidnapper, Suleman Harruna, male, aged 28, a national of the Republic of Niger who resides in Kaba, Kogi State. Ikoedem noted that the suspect had earlier been placed on the command’s wanted list.
Members of the Hausa/Fulani community identified him as part of a notorious kidnapping gang alongside another member. The suspect made useful confessions and has been aiding the police in ongoing investigations.
In another operation on 20th February 2026 at about 17:50hrs, another suspect, Ibrahim Kodo, male, aged 25, of Illushi Community, was tracked down and arrested in collaboration with personnel from the Nigerian Army. The suspect was identified by a kidnapped victim as one of three armed men who abducted him on 2nd June 2025 at about 10:00hrs from his farm.
On 26th February 2026 at about 09:00hrs, another suspected kidnapper, Orsee Iorzaa, male, aged 32, of Omi Camp in Illushi, was arrested through steady surveillance based on intelligence. A kidnapped victim identified the suspect as one of a five-man gang who invaded his home with guns and abducted him on 21st February 2026. Investigation is ongoing to recover their arms and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Recent Operation in Onogholọ and Akwocha Forests
In a more recent development on 7th March 2026 at about 08:25hrs, police operatives, in collaboration with members of the Edo State Security Corps, carried out a bush-combing operation in the Onogholọ and Akwocha forests. During the operation, four suspected kidnappers opened fire on the advancing security team but were subdued by the superior firepower of the operatives. One of the suspects was neutralized in the ensuing gun duel, while three others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.
Recovered from the scene were one single-barreled shotgun, one black facial mask, two live cartridges, and two expended cartridges. Bush-combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Commendation and Call for Cooperation
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police commended the Divisional Police Officer of Ubiaja Division and his team for their resilience, professionalism, and sustained operational tempo, which led to these successes. The command also urged residents to continue cooperating with the police by providing credible and timely information to aid ongoing efforts to rid the area, and the state at large, of criminal elements.
The command remains reachable through Emergency Control Room numbers 08077773721 and 08037646272 for complaints; Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) – 08150999335; and Complaints Response Unit (CRU) – 08100389992.
Additional Arrests in Aviele
Separately, the Edo State Police Command arrested 65 suspected kidnappers during a raid in Aviele, Etsako West Local Government Area, Edo North Senatorial District. During the raid on 2nd March at about 02:45hrs, ₦1.85m suspected to be ransom proceeds, as well as Nigerian Army uniforms and other incriminating items, were recovered following intelligence reports linking the area to kidnapping activities.
