THREE ARRESTED IN EDO: NIGERIEN AND TWO SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS IN POLICE CUSTODY

Read Time:1 Minute, 48 Second

By: Fasasi Hammad

Edo State Police Command has apprehended three suspected kidnappers—including a Nigerien national—and neutralised another during separate operations across the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed on Sunday that one suspect was killed after a four-man gang engaged officers in a gunfight. Three other suspects reportedly fled the scene, and police are actively pursuing them. Weapons were also recovered from the gang’s forest hideout.

According to Ikoedem, the operations followed reports of rising kidnapping incidents in Edo Central Senatorial District communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, previously led a six-day security deployment from February 16–22, 2026, to assess the situation and reposition personnel. Forested areas around Ubiaja were identified as major flashpoints and placed under increased surveillance.

LAGOS POLICE DETAIN MORE INDIVIDUALS LINKED TO MONARCH’S SON KILLING

During the operation, several breakthroughs were recorded:

On February 17, 2026, operatives arrested 28-year-old Suleman Harruna, a Nigerien resident of Kaba, Kogi State, linked to a notorious kidnapping gang. The suspect has been cooperating with police investigations.
On February 20, 2026, Ibrahim Kodo, 25, of Illushi, Edo State, was arrested in collaboration with the Nigerian Army after being identified by a kidnapping victim.
On February 26, 2026, Orsee Iorzaa, 32, from Omi Camp, Illushi, was taken into custody following surveillance and a victim’s identification.

In a more recent operation on March 7, 2026, security operatives, alongside the Edo State Security Corps, conducted bush-combing in Onogholọ and Akwocha forests. During the raid, four suspects fired at officers, resulting in one being neutralised while three escaped with gunshot wounds. Recovered items included a single-barrelled shotgun, a black mask, and ammunition. Police continue searches for the fleeing suspects.

Separately, on March 2, the Edo State Police Command arrested 65 suspected kidnappers in Aviele, Etsako West LGA, recovering N1.85 million in suspected ransom funds, Nigerian Army uniforms, and other incriminating items, following intelligence linking the area to criminal activities.

This series of operations reflects intensified efforts by the Edo State Police to curb kidnapping and violent crime in the state.