Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Edo State Police Command has delivered a significant blow to a kidnapping syndicate operating in the state, neutralizing one suspected kidnapper, arresting three others, and rescuing a 56‑year‑old victim who had been held captive for four days. The operation, which took place in the early hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026, was carried out by operatives of the Command in collaboration with local vigilantes in the Eguaholor forest axis of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area. The victim, Saturday Enakhimon, was abducted on May 13, 2026, in Igueben and has since been taken to a hospital for medical attention.
The breakthrough came following intelligence received at about 6:30 a.m. on Sunday. Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer of Ehor Division, along with members of the Edo State Security Corps, mobilized to the area. On sighting the security team, the kidnappers opened fire, leading to a fierce gun duel. According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the superior firepower and tactical response of the operatives forced the criminals into disarray. During the exchange, one of the gang members, identified as Prince Momodu James, 27, from Auchi, Edo State, was neutralized. The other three suspects were arrested without further incident.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Bright Junior, 25, from Agbor, Delta State; Salisu Abubakar, 27, from Kano State; and the neutralized suspect, Prince Momodu James. Items recovered from the suspects include one motorcycle, one cut‑to‑size gun, one Android phone, a cash sum of N800,000, three touch light phones, three empty shell cartridges, two lighters, three ATM debit cards, one cigarette pack, one wallet, one toothpaste, one motorcycle key, one Glo SIM card, and one identity card. The recovered items are currently being examined as part of ongoing investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the operatives and the local vigilante team whose collaborative effort led to the successful operation. He reassured residents that the Edo State Police Command remains relentless, battle‑ready, and fully committed to flushing out criminal elements from every part of the state. The command also urged members of the public to continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information, as security remains a collective responsibility.
The rescue of Saturday Enakhimon after four days in captivity underscores the growing effectiveness of intelligence‑led policing in Edo State. The victim, who was abducted from Igueben, was found unharmed and has been reunited with his family after receiving medical attention. The arrest of suspects from different states – Delta, Kano, and Edo – highlights the cross‑border nature of kidnapping syndicates operating in the region. The recovery of N800,000 in cash, along with multiple ATM cards and a mobile phone, suggests that the gang may have been involved in extortion and ransom collection.
The Edo State Police Command has intensified its operations against kidnapping and violent crimes in recent months, with several successful rescue missions and arrests recorded across the state. The command has also increased collaboration with local vigilante groups, whose intimate knowledge of the terrain has proven invaluable in tracking criminal hideouts in forested areas. The neutralization of Prince Momodu James and the arrest of his three accomplices are expected to disrupt the activities of the syndicate and provide leads for further arrests.
As the investigation continues, the three arrested suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the inquiry. The police have also launched a manhunt for any other members of the gang who may have fled during the gun duel. The victim, Saturday Enakhimon, is recovering from his ordeal, and his family has expressed gratitude to the police for their swift intervention. The Edo State Government has also commended the security forces for their dedication and bravery.
This successful operation serves as a reminder that kidnapping remains a serious threat in Edo State, but also that the police are capable of responding effectively when supported by actionable intelligence and community cooperation. The command has urged residents to continue reporting suspicious activities and to avoid taking the law into their own hands. The fight against kidnapping, the police say, is a shared responsibility, and every citizen has a role to play.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments