The Edo State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six victims following a series of intensive bush-combing operations across the state.
Spokesperson Eno Ikoedem confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Monday, noting that the operations took place over the past week.
The statement detailed several operations, including one conducted on Saturday, January 24, along the Benin–Lagos Expressway near Ohosu.
The operation, led by CSP Sunday Ehimare and carried out with hunters and vigilante groups, was based on intelligence that suspected criminals had gathered in the forest. When the suspects spotted security operatives, they opened fire.
“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.”
Another operation took place on Sunday, January 25, at the Era/Idoha forest axis in Ekpoma. This drone-assisted operation, led by CSP Solomon Oseghale, involved 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 Okpella, a coordinated operation involving the police, vigilantes, and hunters led to the rescue of a kidnapped farmer, identified as Monday Adero, who had been abducted on January 22. The victim was taken to a medical facility for treatment, and one injured suspect was arrested and is now in custody.
The statement also reported that three people kidnapped from their home in Dr Akerenobo Quarters, Emaudo, Ekpoma, on the night of January 23, were rescued unhurt. The operation involved collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and other security partners, led by ACP Olayemi Jacob.
The victims were reunited with their families, while efforts continue to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In another operation at Idoha Pipeline Community in Esan West LGA, the Divisional Police Officer in Ekpoma arrested a suspected kidnapper, identified as Rabiu Mohammed Bello, after reports of armed herders in the community.
Other suspects fled with livestock and weapons, and the suspect is now under investigation.
On January 24, operatives from Ewu Division, alongside vigilantes and hunters, rescued a kidnapped couple following a distress call from Ochodo Community. The suspects were dislodged from their hideout at Igun Forest, Agbede, leading to the rescue of the couple and the arrest of five suspects.
“Items recovered include eight rounds of 9mm live ammunition, nine empty shells, five Android phones and one Qlink motorcycle. The case is under investigation.”
In a separate development, seven kidnapped residents of Imoga Community in Akoko Edo LGA were freed on Monday, January 19, after an undisclosed ransom was paid.
The Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Dr Bode Ekundayo, confirmed on Tuesday, January 20, that the victims had been reunited with their families.
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