Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Benin City, Nigeria — The Edo State Police Command has arrested 11 individuals suspected of involvement in kidnapping and successfully rescued six abducted victims during a series of intelligence-led anti-kidnapping operations carried out across the state over the past week, authorities confirmed in a statement on Monday, 26 January 2026.
Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem said the arrests and rescues were made possible through extensive bush-combing operations conducted in multiple locations, drawing on collaboration with vigilante groups, local hunters and specialized police units.
In one of the key operations on Saturday, 24 January, operatives led by CSP Sunday Ehimare, acting on credible intelligence, moved against suspected kidnappers believed to be assembling along the Benin–Lagos Expressway near Ohosu. Upon sighting the security team, the suspects opened fire; the police responded with superior firepower, forcing them to flee into the forest. An AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition was recovered after one suspect abandoned the weapon during the engagement.
A separate drone-assisted bush combing operation was conducted on Sunday, 25 January, at the Era/Idoha forest axis in Ekpoma, under the leadership of CSP Solomon Oseghale and involving the Police Drone Department, Edo State Security Corps, hunters and vigilantes. Four suspected kidnappers — Mohammed Lawal (62), Ashiru Ibrahim (35), Abubakar Umoru (30), and Umoru Ali (35) — were apprehended during that operation, while accomplices reportedly escaped with weapons. Recovered items included two locally made dane guns and four mobile phones.
In a related rescue effort in Okpella, a 58-year-old farmer, identified as Monday Adero, who had been kidnapped on 22 January while on his way to his farm, was brought to safety through a coordinated effort involving police operatives, hunters and vigilantes. The victim was taken to a medical facility for treatment, and one injured suspect, Gehi Ibrahim (24), was arrested and is now in custody.
Security forces also responded to a distress call from Dr Akerenobo Quarters, Emaudo, Ekpoma, on 23 January, where three residents — Odion Isideh, Mrs. Isideh and Mercy Isideh — had been abducted from their home overnight. Police, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Edo State Security Corps, hunters and other security partners, carried out an extensive bush operation that forced suspects to flee and led to the victims’ safe rescue and reunion with their families.
Additional successes were recorded in Esan West Local Government Area, where a suspected kidnapper, Rabiu Mohammed Bello (31), was arrested at Idoha Pipeline Community following reports of armed activity. Police investigations continue as other suspects reportedly escaped with livestock and weapons.
Further operations by the Ewu Division in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters resulted in the rescue of a kidnapped couple from a hideout in Igun Forest, Agbede. Five suspects were apprehended during this engagement, and recovered items included eight rounds of 9mm live ammunition, nine spent shells, five mobile phones and a motorcycle; the case is under active investigation.
In a related development, seven kidnapped individuals from Imoga Community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area were freed after an undisclosed ransom was paid, with the victims reunited with their families, local community leaders told journalists.
The coordinated operations reflect continuing efforts by the Edo State Police Command to dismantle kidnapping networks and protect vulnerable communities through intelligence-driven and technology-enhanced responses. Commanders have urged members of the public to continue providing information that could assist in ongoing operations and help ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
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