Police Bust Kidnap Network in Edo Central, One Suspect Killed in Gun Duel

The Edo State Police Command says sustained security operations in Edo Central have led to major breakthroughs in the fight against kidnapping in Ubiaja and surrounding communities.

The Command recalled that earlier this year, following rising reports of kidnapping in the area, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, personally led a strategic operational deployment to Edo Central from February 16 to 22, 2026.

During the six-day operation, the police carried out on-the-spot security assessments, restrategized operational approaches and repositioned personnel for more effective policing.

Forests around Ubiaja were identified as key security flashpoints and subsequently placed under intensified surveillance.

Since the operational restructuring, the Ubiaja Division, under the supervision of the Divisional Police Officer, has recorded several successes against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

One of the breakthroughs occurred on February 17, 2026, when operatives of the Ubiaja Division arrested a suspected kidnapper, Suleman Harruna, 28, a national of the Republic of Niger residing in Kaba, Kogi State. The suspect, who had earlier been placed on the Command’s wanted list, was apprehended through technical intelligence.

Police said members of the Hausa/Fulani community were invited for identification during interrogation and confirmed the suspect as a member of a notorious kidnapping gang. The suspect has reportedly made useful confessions and is assisting investigators.

In another operation on February 20, 2026, police operatives, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Army, arrested another suspect, Ibrahim Kodo, 25, from Illushi community. He was identified by a victim as one of three armed men who kidnapped him from his farm on June 2, 2025.

Similarly, on February 26, 2026, operatives arrested another suspect, Orsee Iorzaa, 32, at Omi Camp in Illushi following intelligence-driven surveillance. A victim later identified him as a member of a five-man gang that invaded his home with firearms and abducted him on February 21, 2026.

Police said investigations are ongoing to recover weapons used by the suspects and apprehend other members of the syndicate.

In a more recent development on March 7, 2026, police operatives, in collaboration with members of the Edo State Security Corps, carried out a bush-combing operation in the Onogholọ and Akwocha forests.

During the operation, four suspected kidnappers reportedly opened fire on the security team but were subdued by the operatives’ superior firepower. One of the suspects was neutralized in the ensuing gun battle, while three others escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.

Items recovered at the scene include a single-barrel shotgun, a black facial mask, two live cartridges and two expended cartridges.

Bush-combing operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

The Commissioner of Police commended the Divisional Police Officer of Ubiaja Division and his team for their resilience, professionalism and sustained operational efforts that led to the successes.

The Command also urged residents to continue cooperating with the police by providing credible and timely information to support ongoing efforts to rid the area and the state of criminal elements.

Residents can reach the Command through the emergency control room numbers 08077773721 and 08037646272, while complaints can be directed to the Public Complaints Bureau on 08150999335 or the Complaints Response Unit on 08100389992