Edo police busts kidnapping gangs in Ekpoma, Okpella, Agbede, arrest scores
The Edo State Police Command has said that its operatives in intensive intelligence-driven operations arrested busted kidnapping gangs in several parts of the state.
The command disclosed that four suspected kidnappers were arrested in Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
According to the state command spoke person, Eno Ikoedem, the arrested suspects, include: Mohammed Lawal ‘M’, aged 62 years; Ashiru Ibrahim ‘M’, aged 35 years; Abubakar Umoru ‘M’, aged 30 years; and Umoru Ali ‘M’, aged 35 years.
She noted that other accomplices escaped into the forest with arms.
She explained that the operation on Sunday, January 25, 2026, a coordinated drone-assisted bush-combing operation and led by CSP Solomon Oseghale was carried out at the Era/Idoha forest axis in Ekpoma involving police tactical units, the drone department, Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and vigilante groups.
Items recovered from the suspects include two locally fabricated dane guns and four mobile phones. The suspects will be arraigned accordingly on the completion of investigations.
In other operations carried out over the weekend as part of sustained efforts to suppress criminal activities and strengthen public safety, the police spokes person said operatives of the Command, led by CSP Sunday Ehimare, in collaboration with hunters and vigilante groups, conducted a bush-combing exercise along the Benin–Lagos Expressway near Ohosu following credible intelligence that suspected hoodlums had converged in the forest to carry out criminal activities. “Upon sighting the security operatives, the suspects opened fire on the team. 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 thirty (30) rounds of live ammunition, which was recovered by the operatives.” She disclosed that bush-combing operations in the axis are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent any regrouping.
“In another operation in Okpella, a 58-year-old farmer, Monday Adero ‘M’, aged 58 years, of Iddo Quarters, who was kidnapped while on his way to his farm on January 22, 2026, was successfully rescued through a coordinated operation involving vigilantes and hunters working in collaboration with the police. During the rescue operation in the forest at the Uluoke axis, the kidnappers engaged the rescuing team in a gun duel. The superior response of the security operatives forced the suspects to flee, during which one of the kidnappers sustained a gunshot injury. The victim was safely rescued and taken to a medical facility for treatment. Acting on intelligence and medical tracking, the injured suspect was subsequently traced, identified as Gehi Ibrahim ‘M’, aged 24 years, and arrested. He is currently in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.
“On the night of January 23, 2026, three persons were kidnapped from their residence at Dr. Akerenobo Quarters, Emaudo, Ekpoma. Upon receipt of the distress call, operatives of the Command mobilized in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Edo State Security Corps, hunters, and other security partners led by the Area Commander Ekpoma, ACP Ibrahim Aliyu. The victims Odion Isideh ‘m’, Mrs Isideh ‘f’ and Mercy Isideh ‘f’ were successfully rescued unhurt after intensive bush operations which led to the suspects taking to flight. Victims have been reunited with their families while efforts is in top gear to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
“In another intelligence-led operation at Idoha Pipeline Community in Esan West Local Government Area, by the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpoma, a suspected Kidnapper by name Rabiu Mohammed Bello ‘M’, aged 31 years, was arrested following reports of suspected armed herders sighted in the community. Other suspects fled the scene with their livestock and weapons. The suspect is currently undergoing investigation and will be arraigned, after discreet investigation in court of competent jurisdiction.
She stated further that a couple was also rescued following a distress call from Ochodo Community in Eeu, Esan Central LGA. “The suspected Kidnappers were engaged and dislodged from their hideout at Igun Forest, Agbede, leading to the rescue of the victims unhurt and the arrest of five suspects, namely: Nura Ibrahim ‘M’, aged 22 years; Suleiman Aruna ‘M’, aged 23 years; Usman Abubakar ‘M’, aged 30 years; Mohammed Abubakar ‘M’, aged 32 years; and Isah Ibrahim ‘M’, aged 27 years. Items recovered include eight rounds of 9mm live ammunition, nine empty shells, five Android phones and one Qlink motorcycle. The case is under investigation.
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, commends the dedication, professionalism, and synergy among operatives and community security partners, noting that the strategic deployment of technology such as drones has further strengthened the Command’s operational efficiency. He reassures residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining aggressive patrols, bush-clearance operations, intelligence-led policing, and swift response to all security threats across the State.”
The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance collective safety. The Command remains reachable through active lines, which include:
Emergency Control Room Numbers
08077773721 & 08037646272
For Complaints: Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) – 08150999335
Complaints Response Unit (CRU)- 08100389992
