Edo State Police Command arrests eight kidnappers and rescues five victims in coordinated operations across the state

The command also confirmed the arrest of individuals allegedly supplying food and essential items to criminal hideouts in forest enclaves.

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In a statement on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer Moses Yamu said the breakthroughs were achieved through sustained intelligence-led efforts under the Community Safety Partnership initiative, directed by Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

According to Yamu, one of the major breakthroughs occurred on 23 September 2025, when vigilant residents alerted officers along the Uromi–Igueben Road by Eko-Ibadin Junction.

Operatives from the Uromi Division, working with local vigilantes, swiftly apprehended four suspected kidnappers — Muritala Abdullahi (33), Nasiru Rabiu (40), Yahaya Ibrahim (38) and Abdulmalik Salihu (27).

Recovered items included ATM and SIM cards, a CJTF uniform, a dagger, a cutlass, charms and suspected hard drugs. The suspects were later charged in court and convicted following a discreet investigation.

In a separate operation on 14 October, a joint security team conducted a bush-combing exercise that cleared Morgan Forest, Michelin Forest and nearby areas, leading to the rescue of four victims — Augustine Cecilia, 45; Augustine Okaira, 57; Mary Friday, 38; and Okpaiso Comfort, 67.

“All the victims were rescued unhurt and reunited with their families,” the police confirmed.

On the same day, officers from the Amedokhian Tactical Division tracked kidnappers along the Idegun railway track after receiving reports of the abduction of Faith Odine Osaghale, 39.

A gun duel ensued, forcing the abductors to abandon their victim, who was later rescued unharmed.

Follow-up operations on 15 October saw officers from the Ekpoma Division, alongside vigilantes and local hunters, intercept two suspects — Rabiu Shehu, 27, and Hashiru Yusuf, 28 — allegedly transporting food and supplies to criminals in the forest.

“Upon interrogation, they confessed that the items were given to them by one Medisara Idris, 35, to deliver to a herdsman inside the forest,” the statement said. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the wider network behind the operation.

Commissioner Monday Agbonika commended divisional officers for their professionalism and praised the vital intelligence support from local communities, hunters and vigilante groups.

He urged residents to remain alert and report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency channels.

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Agbonika reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring peace and public safety across Edo State, stressing that collaboration between the police and communities remains central to tackling crime.