Edo Police rescue victims and arrest 11 suspected kidnappers in coordinated operations, recovering weapons and reuniting families safely

The Edo State Police Command has arrested 11 suspected kidnappers and rescued six victims during a series of coordinated operations across the state, the command confirmed on Monday.

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The spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, stated that the arrests were carried out during intensive bush-combing exercises over the past week, involving tactical police units, hunters, vigilante groups, and drone assistance.

In one major operation along the Benin–Lagos Expressway near Ohosu, security operatives engaged suspected kidnappers who opened fire on the team.

The suspects fled, abandoning an AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of live ammunition, which was recovered by the police. Operations in the area are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects.

Similarly, four suspected kidnappers were arrested during a drone-assisted operation at the Era/Idoha forest axis in Ekpoma.

The suspects, identified as Mohammed Lawal (62), Ashiru Ibrahim (35), Abubakar Umoru (30), and Umoru Ali (35), were found with locally fabricated firearms and mobile phones.

Investigations are ongoing, and they will be arraigned accordingly.

In Okpella, a kidnapped farmer, Monday Adero (58), was rescued after police and vigilante groups responded to a distress call. An injured suspect, Gehi Ibrahim (24), was arrested and is currently in custody.

In Ekpoma, three victims—Odion Isideh, Mrs Isideh, and Mercy Isideh—were rescued unhurt after being kidnapped from their residence.

The police, Nigerian Army, and local security operatives coordinated the operation, leading to the suspects fleeing the scene.

Other operations include the arrest of Rabiu Mohammed Bello (31) at Idoha Pipeline Community in Esan West Local Government Area following reports of armed herders, and the rescue of a kidnapped couple in Ochodo Community after engagement with suspects at Igun Forest, Agbede. Five suspects were arrested, with weapons and ammunition recovered.

Separately, seven kidnapped indigenes of Imoga Community in Akoko Edo Local Government Area regained their freedom following the payment of an undisclosed ransom, according to Dr Bode Ekundayo, Coordinator of the Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People.

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The Edo Police have emphasised that investigations into all cases are ongoing and pledged to pursue fleeing suspects to ensure justice and restore public safety.